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Oahu Bars & Nightclubs Memorialized

A reader recently commenting on the ‘Oahu Eateries Memorialized‘ post mentioned some really old school Honolulu nightclubs, that those of you who remember them may have quite the story to tell… or keep hidden and buried deep in the closet! Therefore, let’s now create a master list of bygone bars & nightclubs on Oahu (Hawaii).

This alphabetically organized list* shall include ALL nightclubs & bars who have come and gone on Oahu, including restaurants that “moonlighted” as nightclubs, as well as those catered to alternative lifestyles, and adult entertainment. That in mind, please keep your comments PG-13 rated.

Again, like the ‘Oahu Eateries Memorialized‘ and ‘Oahu Eateries 50+ Club‘, this list is dynamic, intended to be contributed and modified by readers such as you! If you have any suggestions, additional information (location details, type of music, clientele, decor, notable club events) or corrections that need to be made, please leave them in comments or private eMail, and they will be kindly edited into the list.

Oahu Bars & Nightclubs Memorialized

Aku Bone Lounge and Grill – Kona St., Kaka’ako / Bar, Karaoke and live music, pupus / currentlyAlley Cat – Nuuanu Ave, Hotel Street area / 60s era; pass some time with Kitty and Ruby *contributed by JimAloha Beer Company (a.k.a. Aloha Beer Hall) – Nimitz Hwy., across Gentry Pacific Center (next to the former Sam Choy’s BLC) / Microbrewery featuring locally crafted beers by Dave Campbell; sports bar and (very large, contemporary, spacious) lounge, featuring live music and private functions / currently not open for business (sign is still there, however closed since July 2012)Angles – Kuhio and Seaside Ave., Waikiki / gay bar / currently LojaxAnna Bannana’s – Beretania St., Mo’ili’ili / biker bar, live music & dancing / currently
Annabelle’s – Top of the Ilikai, Waikiki / Anna Ujvari was DJ / currently Sorento’s *contributed by Rollow “Mahalo” Mickle
Arirang – Kaheka Street, Kaka’ako (located downstairs of the Professional Center) / 70s to early 80s era *contributed by Black Kane
Aquarium Bar – Ala Moana Shopping Center, under escalator, behind Muntz Stereo / bar *contributed by “Kona” Wally C.Atlantis – Pacific Beach Hotel, Waikiki / opened in 1979 and rivaled the nearby Point After; 80’s club / currently *contributed by Bryan NakamuraBaba Louie’s -Waipio Gentry / Brudda Noland, Kata Maduli and the gang played there during the mid-to-late 80’s / currently Nancy’s Kitchen *contributed by DHTDBambooze Sports Lounge – Waikiki Gateway Hotel, Waikiki / formerly Nick’s Fishmarket; sports bar, also featuring pub grub, billiards and dancing
Black Angus – Kuhio Ave., Waikiki / Tony Tam Sing would jam there / currently *contributed by A.T.
Black Diamond, The – Waikiki Trade Center, Kuhio Ave., Waikiki / hip-hop genre / previously Fashion 45/Maze / currently
Black Orchid, The – Restaurant Row / opened by Tom Selleck and Larry Manetti of ‘Magnum P.I.’ fame; restaurant by day, club by night / eventually became World Cafe; currently
Beef ‘n Grog – Kalakaua Ave. (makai), Waikiki / Burgundy Express, Greenwood, Asian Blend, The New Experience bands performed there / currentlyBiggie’s Nut Shell– Oneawa St., Kailua / An icon in Kailua where all the “heavies” used to hang out *contributed by Jimmy BarberinoBlack Cat, The – Hotel at or near Richards; across from the Armed Services “Y” / bar whiskey was $0.25 / currently *contributed by Richard Wiley
Blaisdell Hotel Courtyard – downtown Honolulu / Sons of Hawaii, Sandwich Isle Band performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.
Blue Tropix – Kapiolani Blvd., Ala Moana area / monkey bar / currently razed
Blue Goose – Mo’ili’ili / popular hang out for UH students; Jon & Randy played there / currently *contributed by KeithF & A.T.Blue Kangaroo – Waialae Ave., Kaimuki / live music / late night “animal night” (off-color songs) / currently *contributed by KeithF
The Blue Note – Kalakaua Ave. (a bit mauka of Kapiolani) / eventually, Forbidden City moved there / currently *contributed by Richard WileyBlue Sea Lounge – Kapiolani Blvd. / features/ currently *contributed by DaSauceMan
Blue Velvet Lounge – Waikiki,Kuhio Ave / had a piano bar / currently *contributed by KeithFBlue Oyster – Kuhio Ave., next to Scruples / features *contributed by TappyBlue Zebra – Restaurant Row (adjacent to Sunset Grill), Kaka’ako / Opened by Kail, who also opened Pink Cadillac and Pink’s Garage; dance club that attracted the younger hip-hop crowd; a “certain” waitress who worked there was the love of Pomai’s life (or so he thought) / closed to become Mystique, currently a bank *contributed by IvanBobby McGee’s Conglomeration – formerly located in what is currently Lotus Honolulu (an Aqua Resort), in front of San Souci, across Kapiolani Park / THE club to be at for the younger crowd (20’s) during the mid to late 80’s; staff dressed in cabaret: attractive bartenders wore suspenders, while the attractive female servers wore a Tuxedo top and black short-shorts with black nylon stockings; porcelain toilet bowl logo drinking glass; Tonya Sullivan and Scott Hagmaier were DJs there *contributed in part by Rollow “Mahalo” MickleBoyd’s – Ground floor of the Alexander Young Hotel, makai side / bar / currently *contributed by LinkmeisterBrandy’s – Stadium Mall / Starting from the late 80’s, was a local watering hole/dart enthusiast’s hang out. Had a lot of dart boards, supplies, etc.; pretty good pupus, typical bar fair; used to hold dart leagues there along with other pub style locales like “Elephant and Castle” “contributed by JayBrew Moon – Ward Center, Kaka’ako / microbrewery restaurant & bar / currentlyBrown Derby, The – Nuuanu, near Beretania / heard Louis Armstrong here; the owner got into a bit of legal trouble, something about heroin / currently *contributed by Richard WileyBullwinkle’s – Puck’s Alley, University Ave./Mo’ili’ili area / Before Moose McGillicuddy’s, they were named “Bullwinkle’s”. Some kind of lawsuit with the cartoon moguls forced the owners to change the name to Moose McGillicuddy’s. *contributed by Jimmy Barberino
Cane Knife Room – The bar located within Ciro’s on the Mauka side of Hotel Street, in the middle of the block between Bishop and Fort Street / The bar was a popular after work spot for the downtown business crowd *contributed by Jonathan RobertsCanterbury Place Lounge – Ena Rd. & Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki / circa 1970’s; Nueva Vida with Pauline Wilson (of Seawind fame) performed there / currentlyCanton Puka – International Marketplace, Waiklp club / currently a tattoo parlorCaptain Nemo’s – Waikiki / features / current *contributed by Catherine “Cathi” BellCelebrity’s Bar & Grill – Algaroba/McCully / “Celebrity’s Bar and Grill” (CBG for short) was started by the former managers of “Steel Wings” in the Ilikai; Mackey and Malani played there back in the day; opened after “Steel Wings” closed; VIP card was a brass keychain fob. Pretty classy; $2 Kamikaze’s (7up back) *contributed by A.T. & JayC’est Si Bon – location / Greenwood & Power Point bands performed there / currentlyCharley’s Bar – Koko Marina / features / features / currently Zippy’s *contributed by DaSauceManCheerleader’s – Moanalua Shopping Center / features / currently *contributed by DaSauceManCheerleaders (moanalua shopping center)Chi Chi’s – Westridge Plaza, Aiea / Mexican restaurant by day, club by night / currentlyChico’s Pizza – Waialae Ave & St. Louis Dr, Kaimuki / pizza, fried chicken ‘n potato wedges; popular watering hole (cheap beer, big place) for UH students back in the late 70’s to early 80’s / currently City Mill *contributed by John BChinese American Club, The – Waikiki / The MopTops, Luke’s Pineapple Store, The Spirits, The Casuals of Waikiki with Steve Lucas on guitar, Luv Special Delivery, The Silver Bike, The Young Ones and a host of other bands played there *contributed by R. Scott RhodeChuck’s – Pearlridge / Kaeo performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Chuck’s – Manoa / features / currently *contributed by A.T.Cilly’s – McCully and Ala Wai Blvd., just before Jack-in-the-Box on Kalakaua ave/ hip-hop crowd; closed doors some time in the early 90’s / currently Tatoolicious (a tattoo parlor)Classic Cat – Sheridan St., behind where is now the Koreamoku Walmart / gentlemen’s club featuring “shower shows”; photography was allowed; live DJ / currentlyClimber’s Paradise – Location / features / *contributed by Jion WansuClouds, The – Kapahulu / gay bar, however straights went there too, especially on New Year’s Eve to marvel at the drag queens / currently *contributed by Richard WileyClub Arirang – Ala Moana area / hostess bar / currentlyClub by Me – Mo’ili’ili / gentlemen’s club / currentlyClub C-5 – Hotel Street; then moved to Sand Island Access Road / Min, the owner, was nuts; lot of metal, thrash and punk bands played there; used to get these pitchers of a drink, can’t remember the name, but it was pink and it messed you up! *contributed by Amy KinardClub Cho-Cho’s – location / Korean bar / currently *contributed by KeithFClub Domiko’s – location / Korean bar / currently *contributed by KeithFClub Don’t Tell Your Mama – Kapiolani Blvd. (across Ala Moana Center) / hostess bar / currentlyClub Ginza – College Walk, between Beretania & Kukui / a big blonde named Manon Smith was often a featured mc/entertainer / currently *contributed by Richard WileyClub Hubba Hubba – Hotel St., downtown Honolulu / gentlemen’s clubClub Irene – corner of Auahi & Keawe, Kaka’ako / hostess bar; same space known to be bar since 1963, including a hostess bar, strip club and place where local “mafia” hung out; following Club Irene, space became Score’s Sports Bar / currently Bevy (a bar) *contributed by Christian (owner of Bevy)Club Joyce – Beretania Street, in front of Mida’s / 70s to early 80s era *contributed by Black KaneClub Jubilee – Kalihi / popular spot at the time for Hawaii’s most famous contemporary Hawaiian bands / currentlyClub Korea House – location / korean bar / currently *contributed by KeithFClub Pango Pango – Moi’ili’ili (where Star Market was) / owned by the Napoleon family; old school nightclub / currently Longs Drugs *contributed by Richard WileyClub Rappongi – location / hostess bar / currentlyClub Rendezvous – location / gentlemen’s club / currentlyClub Rose – Ala Moana area / gentlemen’s club featuring the “4 song show” / currentlyClub Stop Light – Keeaumoku / gentlemen’s club / currentlyClub Ugly – Kapiolani Blvd., Kaka’ako / hostess bar / currentlyClub Yobo – location / Korean bar / currently *contributed by KeithFCock and Bull, The – a side street off Kuhio Ave., Waikiki / an “interesting place” *contributed by T.T.Cockatoo Lounge, The – location / Gabe Baltazar’s club / currentlyCock’s Roost – International Marketplace, Waikiki / features / currentlyCoconut Willy’s – Kapiolani Blvd. & Kalakaua Ave. (formerly Hard Rock Cafe) > previously on Lewers Street > previously in the Waikiki International Market / restaurant, bar and nightclub featuring live music and DJs / currently The CrownCountry Meeting – Wahiawa/ Summer and Island Band played there / currently *contributed by A.T.Crazy Horse – Kailua / previously Ernie’s, featuring local bands / currently *contributed by AieaBoy & Jim FoxCrow’s Nest – Waikiki (above the Jolly Rodger) / features / currently *contributed by KeithFDa Fish Hook – King and Mokauea st. / features / currently American Savings BankDa Sting – Princess Kaiulani Hotel, overlooking Kaiulani Ave., Waikiki / Previously Da Sting was Rex’s (a disco club), previously before that it was Rex’s & Eric’s; Big local hosts worked at Da Sting, including Lee Deshong and Tony Miloni (who later started Bullwinkle’s>Moose’s); originally Da Sting was managed by Fred Hirayama, then later by Dewey Reed; Natural High, The New Experience & Reach bands performed there; Rollow “Mahalo” Mickle, Robert Aquino and Rick Mayo were DJs there *contributed by Steve and Rollow “Mahalo” MickleDancers – Sand Island Access Rd. / gentlemen’s club / currently
Danny’s – Manoa Marketplace / features / currently *contributed by DaSauceManDavy Jones Locker – in the Waikiki Reef Hotel / “Underwater Bar” to drink and “spock” da’ tourist wahine in da’ pool / currently *contributed by AieaBoyDeja Vu – Kuhio Ave., Waikiki – Gentlemen’s club / became Pure Platinum, currently Maddog SaloonDickens Pub – Blackfield Building, fronting Kapiolani Blvd. / 80s era English Pub owned by Arie Bos, who also owned Portofino Italian Restuarant; best French Onion Soup and pauhana bar *contributed by GK Wong and LinkmeisterDominic’s Rock & Roll Clinic – at the edge of Waikiki / rowdy crowd / currentlyDon Ho’s Island Grill – Aloha Tower Marketplace / Co-founded by Don Ho and restauranteur Fred Livingston; restaurant by day and evening, featuring live music, club by late night / currentlyDolphin Club – Beretania Street, near Bishop / U.S. Navy (submariner) hangout in the early ’60s; strange place *contributed by ODragon Lady, The – Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki (which turned into the Wave Waikiki) / features / *contributed by mr. crabnutsDuke Kahanamoku’s – Waikiki International Market Place / The place was named for the renowned Olympian athlete and operated by the late impresario Kimo Wilder McVay; the dinners actually played second fiddle to the room’s top banana, entertainer Don Ho in all his glory, and it was a spot to catch a glimpse of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli and other glitterati of the era eager to sing and sway to “Tiny Bubbles” and swoon to “I’ll Remember You” / currentlyDunes, The – Airport area / owned by Jack Cione; featured a naked waiter; had acts as famous as Sammy Davis, Jr. / became Gussie L’AmoursDungeon, The – airport area, then moved to Kalakaua, next door to where is now Home Bar & Grill / a “pop-up” warehouse club type BDSM fetish event that took place once a month; whips ‘n chains ‘n flogging polls; erotica (voyeurism and exhibitionism); gothic, industrial and synth-pop DJ music & dancingEastside Bar & Grill – University Ave. in Puck’s Alley / sport bar and grill / previously Magoo’s Pizza; currentlyElephant & Castle – Ka’ahumanu Rd. (across the street from Gyotaku), Pearl City / Fish ‘n Chips, English Pub / currently*contributed by LEnlisted Men’s Club, The – Ford Island, Pearl Harbor / circa 1960’s; 2C’s mom was a drummer for a band call ‘The Rainbows’ / currently *contributed by 2CErnie’s – Kailua / local groups played there; then it became Crazy Horse / *contributed by Jim Fox
For the kids in the 60′s we had the Hoot above Rocky’s liquor store across from the library and Police Station.Eurasia – Hawaiian Regency Hotel, Waikiki / hip hop nightclub with VIP lounge / previously was Point After; currently a SpaEye, The – Location / features / *contributed by Jion WansuFashion 45 – Waikiki Trade Center (2nd floor) / mixed urban groove / previously MAZE, then because Black Diamond; currentlyFast Eddie’s – Kailua / only nightclub in the area and was popular with servicemen from nearby Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station (known back then as KMCAS); Jimmy Gunn was DJ / *contributed by Rollow “Mahalo” MickleFerdinand’s – Reef hotel on Kuhio Ave. across from Nahua St / home to entertainer Freddie Morris; Lyle the bartender and Tammy waited tables and Gilberto Martinez was playing Guitar / currently *contributed by Bob (Frank) FranklandForbidden City – Ala Moana area on Queen Street extension / features / currently *contributed by Richard WileyFoxey Lady Too – location / Asian Blend band performed there / currentlyFoxy Lady Disco – Beachcomber Hotel, Waikiki / circa 60’s and 70’sFunny Farm, The – Waikiki / ’60s era; The MopTops, Luke’s Pineapple Store, The Spirits, The Casuals of Waikiki with Steve Lucas on guitar, Luv Special Delivery, The Silver Bike, The Young Ones and a host of other bands played there *contributed by R. Scott RhodeGars – near The Picadilly / 1974/75 era? It was on the penthouse floor of building? *contributed by Jeana“Gay 90’s” – McCully/Kalakaua? / Home of Sassafras, Gold Rush, etc. *contributed by mr. crabnutsGingerman – Moilili (near UH ) / student hang outs / currently *contributed by KeithFGinger Lounge – basement of the Prince Kuhio, Waikiki / live music / currentlyGinza West – Behind the World Cafe/Groove location on Nimitz / collection of Japanese bars and clubs hoping to capitalize on the popular Tokyo area of the same name / currrentlyGlades – downtown / “Boys will be Girls” revue; the Glades revue was so well known that in the 70′s a fraternity at UH actually presented the show on campus as a fund raising venture / currently *contributed by KeithFGold Coin – Kapiolani Blvd. / George Helm, Mel Cabang, Chucky Boy Chock performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Green Chateau – Sheridan St. / 70s to early 80s era *contributed by Black KaneGreen Turtle – Kapiolani Blvd., fronting Ala Moana Center / hostess barGreen Villa – Kapiolani Blvd. / 70’s to early 80s era *contributed by Black KaneGussie L’Amours – Airport area – live bands (some very well known, including Talking Heads, Stray Cats and Ratt); oil wrestling/offbeat “contests” / currentlyHale Makai Hotel – entrance of Waikiki / Country Comfort performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Hamburger Mary’s – Kuhio Ave, Waikiki / Hamburger Mary’s and HULA’s became an icon of Hawaii’s gay & lesbian community / currently Ritz Carlton Luxury Residence; Hula’s has since moved and still operates in a second floor open air hotel space across the Zoo on Kapahulu Blvd.Hank’s Place – Kaimuki / Makaha Sons of Niihau performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Happiness Lounge – Ala Moana Blvd., Kaka’ako / hostess bar featuring Vietnamese food, karaoke & satellite TV (and soft p@rn) / currently vacant (Sprint recently opened next door)Harbor Light – Kewalo Basin area, side street of Old Honolulu Iron Works, next to Surf Boards Hawaii, Surf Billiards / Boiled peanuts *contributed by Richard Wiley & Black KaneHawaiian Hut – Ala Moana HotelHeidi’s (the original) – Under La Ronde revolving restaurant, Ala Moana Business Building / bar *contributed by “Kona” Wally C.Hell – Ilikai Hotel, Waikiki / features / became The Power Station; currentlyHernando’s Hideaway – Kuhio Ave, Waikiki / hand-tossed Pizza, sports bar / currentlyHoney’s Place – Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe / home of Honey Ho, and her famous son Don / currently a bankHong Kong Junk – Ilikai Hotel / features / currentlyHoot Club, The – Kailua, above Rocky’s liquor store across from the library and Police Station / 60’s era; “Children of Stone” band played there in 1966 for UH student event; turned into the 23rd Step *contributed by Alan Paz and R. Scott RhodeHoratio’s – location / Audy Kimura performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Hotel – corner of Hotel & Nuuanu / 60s era; *contributed by JimHush Boutique Nightclub – Hawaiian Monarch, Waikiki / intimate nightclub / currentlyInfinity – Sheraton Hotel, Waikiki / circa 60’s and 70’s; The Kasuals & Phaze VII bands performed there / currentlyJackhammer Lounge – Ala Moana Hotel / temporary during renovations, Jeff Rasmussen performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Jazz Cellar, The(a.k.a. the Cellar) – Imperial Hawaii Hotel, Lewers St., Waikiki / live music and dance club / currentlyJilly’s – Lewers St., Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Waikiki / circa late 70′ to early 80’s, lots of “beefs” / currently ShorebirdJunction, The – location / circa 1970’s; Reach band performed there / currentlyJune’s Two Moon Café – Pearl City / 60s era; visit June and the lovely young women who worked for her *contributed by JimKama’aina Room – Ala Moana Hotel / Brothers Caz’ performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Kanpai Bar & Grill – Ward Ave. / Sports Bar & ono ‘kine pupus / currently *contributed by DaSauceManKapono’s – Aloha Tower Marketplace / waterfront restaurant and live music club co-founded by Henry Kapono Ka’aihue and John Bilgrave / currentlyKengo’s (the original) – Kapiolani Blvd. (next to Kapiolani coffee shop) / restauarant and bar / currently Nordstrom *contributed by A.T.Kewalo Inn – Ala Moana near Fisherman’s Wharf / features / currently *contributed by Richard WileyKewalo Ship’s Galley – location / Leahi performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.|Keone’s – Lewers, Waikiki / Jimmy Borges personal after-hours club, made his own *contributed by AieaBoyKojak’s – Young St. / Nueva Vida with Pauline Wilson and Kalapana played there regularly; first gig for Andy Bumatai/ currentlyKuhio Grill – King ST. (University area) / ono pupus, free just had to leave tip / currently *contributed by A.T.Kuhio Saloon – Kuhio Ave., Waikiki / features / currentlyLa Boom Boom – location / Phaze VII band performed there / currentlyLa Hula Rhumba – Lunalilo St. / features / currentlyLa Mancha – Keeaumoku St. (across where Walmart is now) / circa early 80’s; dinner and disco / currently *contributed by A.T.Lava Lava – Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki / preceded The WAVE Waikiki; after-hours competition for The TOMATO (across the street, next to Al Phillips The Cleaner) *contributed by webrunnerLemon Tree – Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki / features / currentlyLevel 4 Nightclub & Ultra Lounge – Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Waikiki / dance club / currentlyLimelight – Down the street from the old Wave on Kalakaua, Waikiki / Circa late 80′s; Alternative/New Wave/ currently Allure Waikiki condominium *contributed by A HanaikeLiquids – University Avenue in Puck’s Alley (took over Moose’s University spot for a while) / College crowd, beach attire, dj and live music, and they had sand scattered over the floor to finish the beach scene off; local group Ten Feet performed there / currently *contributed by TaneetsLittle Orphan Annies / airport area / features / previously was The Dunes, then became Gussie L’Amours; currently a car lotLiving Room at Fisherman’s Wharf, The – Dancing, Karaoke; the gals of the local singing sensation quartet Forte met each other while singing Karaoke here (before it was called The Living Room) / currently closed (the restaurant, too)Lobby Bar – Ala Moana Hotel / Iva Kinimaka performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Lollipop Lounge – Beachwalk, Wakiki / features / currentlyLorraine’s – Hotel Street, between Maunakea and River Street (before Glades) / formerly owned by Sad Sam Ichinose, the boxing promoter *contributed by JasonLucky Pierre’s – Puck’s Alley (upstairs), University Ave./ owned by the same guy who owned Little Orphan Annie’s and they shared a lot of bands; a band called Piranha Brothers would come over from Chicago once a year and play both; Lucky Pierre’s changed ownership in 1982(?) and became York’s for a while; Talking Heads and B-52s played at Little Orphan Annie’s *contributed by Steven HallLucky Luck’s Tavern – Hawaii Kai / owned by Robert J. “Lucky” Luck, famous radio and TV personality in Hawaii during the “Aku” era; bar was there before Henry J. Kaiser’s marina development took place (Hawaii Kai was mostly pig farms back then); a.k.a. “Okole Maluna’s Bar” / currently Koko MarinaLum’s – University and Dole / beer steamed hot dogs and draft beer / currently *contributed by KeithFM’s – Bishop Street, Downtown Honolulu / Hard to find in an alley; best cheeseburger and fries in town *contributed by Doug CrockerMagic Mushroom – Ala Moana / $20 all you can drink; Mackey Feary Band, Ashberry, Natural High, The New Experience, White Light & Greenwood bands performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Maharaja – Waikiki Trade Center, Waikiki / Maharaja introduced Honolulu to the high end glamour club concepts in LA & NYC / currently ZanzibarMalahini Room – Ala Moana Hotel / Olamana, Rap & Makaha Sons performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Mama’s – Pokai Bay, Waianae / dance the night away! / currentlyMama Mia’s – Pucks Alley / features / currently *contributed by A.T.Marrakesh – Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki / Robert Aquino and Rollow “Mahalo” Mickle were DJs there; Jack Law eventually bought it and turned it into The Wave *contributed by Rollow “Mahalo” Mickle
Marigold, The – Waipahu / features / currently *contributed by Richard WileyMasquerade – Kalakaua Ave & Ala Wai Blvd., Waikiki / there was an upper mez’ level / currently the Waikiki LandmarkMaze – Waikiki Trade Center (second floor) / hip-hop club / became Fashion 45, the Black Diamond; currentlyMerry Monarch – Beachwalk and Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki / Live bands The Wilde Ones and Gross National Product covered soul music there in ’66 and ’67; after mid-summer ’67 there was a moss rock facade; first topless waitress bar? / currently *contributed by Jim Fox, Richard Wiley & Mike PrewittMoon, The – Outrigger Hotel penthouse, Waikiki / features / currentlyMoose McGillycuddy’s – Pucks Alley / Prior to being named Moose McGillycuddy’s, they were named Bullwinkle’s (see that entry above for more info’); Ernie Cruz, Kaau Crater boys, Robi performed there / currently *contributed by A.T. & Jimmy BarberinoMustang – Waiakamilo Rd. (across the fire station) / dance club / currentlyMystique – Restaurant Row, Kaka’ako / attracted a younger local hip hop crowd / currently (previously Blue Zebra)Napoleon’s – location / Reach band performed there / currentlyOahu Bar, The – location / live music / currentlyOasis, The – Old Waialae Rd. / gentlemen’s club / currentlyOcean Club – Restaurant Row, Kaka’ako / Honolulu’s uber “yuppie club; took over where Studebaker’s left off / currently M Night ClubOceania’s Empire Room – Oceania Floating Chinese Restaurant / Moe Keale and Anuenue, The Kasuals & Reach band performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.O Lounge – Ala Moana / dance club and lounge / currently The RepublicOne Honolulu – Aloha Tower Market Place / they tried to give it lots of media hype and glamour glitz like celebrity red carpet grand openings / currentlyOn Fire – Kapiolani Blvd. / features/ currently *contributed by DaSauceMan
Pantheon – Nuuanu, near Hotel St. / 60s era, owner Johnny would handout freebees *contributed by JimParis – Hawaiian Monarch Hotel, Waikiki / small nightclub lounge / currentlyParrot House – location / Kalani Whitmarsh was DJ *contributed by Rollow “Mahalo” MicklePearl City Tavern – Waimano Home Road & Kamehameha Hwy, Pearl City / opened in 1936 by George and Irene Fukuoka, closed in 1993; house specialties were steaks, live Maine lobsters and banana drinks at the live Monkey Bar; popular with Pearl Harbor servicemen / currentlyOpehrs – Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki, next to eggs and things / features / *contributed by mr. crabnutsOpus One – Ilikai Hotel, Waikiki / Group called the Insights played there; Rene & Akemi Paulo with their talented family performed there too *contributed by CarriePiko Lounge – Waikiki, near the Ambassor Hotel / small place with a nice bar; Arnold Kealanui played there in the wee hours of the morning / currentlyPhaze – Behind Masquerade nightclub at Kalakaua, McCully & Ala Wai Blvd., Waikiki / Circa late 80’s; Alternative/New Wave / currently the Waikiki Landmark condominium *contributed by A HanaikePiccadilly Pub – Waikiki Beach side behind the Lollipop 70s-early 80s / dart bar / Publican-Don Hall *contributed by Bill MarshallPink Cadillac – Ena Road (next to 7-Eleven), Waikiki / Opened by Kail, who also opened Blue Zebra and Pink’s Garage; younger crowd during the late 80’s / currently Irish Rose *contributed by IvanPink’s Garage – Honolulu / Opened by Kail, who also opened Pink Cadillac and Blue Zebra; the original warehouse style club in Honolulu with great concerts *contributed by IvanPipeline Cafe – Pohukaina St., Kaka’ako / live music & dance club / currently BJ Penn GymPirate Bully Hayes – Pearl City / features / currentlyPlayers Sports Bar – Alakea Street & University Ave. locations / sport bar featuring attractive servers / currentlyPohaku’s – Nimitz Hwy. / features / currentlyPoint After – Hawaiian Regent Hotel, Waikiki / features / became Eurasia, currently a Spa; hotel is now Waikiki MarriotPorkys & Stetsons – Pearl City / features *contributed by KamaPower House, The – The Power House – across from the Red Noodle in Waikiki / very rowdy place with lots of action that spilled into the parking lot behind the International Market Place during the late 1960s *contributed by T.T.Power Station, The – Ilikai Hotel, Waikiki / place was happening in 1985; was called Hell before ’85 / currrentlyPrimo Gardens – across the street from the marina entrance to the Ilikai Hotel, Waikiki / entertainment by Sunday Manoa *contributed by PatProspect Place – Kalihi / features / currentlyPure Platinum – Kuhio Ave., Waikiki / Gentlemen’s club; co-owned by David Shutter / previously Deja Vu; currently Maddog SaloonPyramids – Location / features / *contributed by Jion WansuQueen’s Surf – a Waikiki legend only your parents or grandparents know about within its hallowed walls / likely those who loved Queens Surf didn’t vote for Frank FasiRainbow Tavern, The – Kalakaua, one block Ewa from the Ala Moana junction / where C&K made their bones / currently *contributed by AieaBoyRalph & Ann’s (Ayala’s Ballroom) – makai side, North School St. (around Houghtailing?) / lots of Latin music / currently *contributed by Richard WileyRathskellar, The – basement on King, makai side, same block as the King theater / had a piano player name Sylvia? (something) / currently *contributed by Richard WileyRed Lion, The – Hyatt Regency Waikiki (sidewalk cellar) / bar and club / currentlyRed Lions Pizza – Kuhio Ave., Waikiki / features / currently *contributed by A.T.Red Rooster – Duke Lane/Kuhio Ave,behind International Market Place / mostly African-American clientele, however some locals would chance ‘um; glad we did because most of the time was pretty much fun *contributed by PhilRed Vest – Kuhio Ave., Waikiki / features / currentlyReef Showroom, The – location / live music / current *contributed by Catherine “Cathi” BellReni’s – Pearl City / opened by Roger Mosley (TC from Magnum P.I.); Was it the same space as Bully Hayes was in? / currentlyRex’s – See the next entry —\/Rex’s & Eric’s – Kuhio Ave., Waikiki (where Scruples was; currently Play Bar) / 70’s era fine dining restaurant & fancy disco, THE place to see celebrities; in the late 70’s it turned into a private club; opened a backgammon room and added a small dance floor; Jo Anne from NYC started playing records and teaching people to “touch dance”; while there were already gay disco bars in Waikiki at this early age of the fad, this was the first venture into straight disco; when they made the change, Rex bought Eric out and it became just Rex’s *contributed by Rollow “Mahalo” MickleRJ’s – Nanakuli / dancing / currentlyRomany (sp. Romainy?), Club – location? / 1968 era topless place with a Belly Dancer *contributed by TomRow Bar, The – Restaurant Row (center court area) / open air bar / currentlyRose and Crown Pub – King’s Village, Waikiki / features *contributed by AlanRosie’s Boathouse – Kaneohe (near the post office) / Bla Pahinui performed there often / currentlyRoyal Lanai – Kapiolani Blvd. / later became Kengo’s 2 / currently Nordstrom *contributed by A.T.Round House, The – Pearlridge Shopping Center, Aiea / located under Anna Millers *contributed by Mary BeckerRoundhouse, The – Waikiki / model trains ran through there / currentlyRussell’s Rowboat – McCully-Kalakaua / features / currentlySad Sam’s – Hotel Street, between Maunakea and River Street (before Glades) / owned by “Sad Sam” Ichinose, the boxing promoter; eventually became Lorraine’s, then was sold to a new owner *contributed by JasonSandbox, The – Sand Island Access Rd. / owned by Howard Farias; Hawaii’s home of country western music; Eddie Kamae played there; original Sons of Hawaii played their first pro gig there as a group *contributed by “Kona” Wally C.Score’s Sports Bar – Corner of Auahi & Ke’awe, Kaka’ako / formerly Club Irene; space known to be a bar since 1963 or so, including a hostess bar, strip club and place where local “mafia” hung out / currently Bevy (a bar) *contributed by Christian (owner of Bevy)Scruples – Kuhio Ave., Waikiki / co-owned by David Shutter / currently Play Bar
Secrets – location / open 24 hours, cover charge was membership dues / currently *contributed by A.T.Senor Frog’s – Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Waikiki / Mexican restaurant & cantina bar; after hours nightclub / currentlyShipwreck Kelly’s – Lewer’s St., Waikiki / features / currentlyShack Waikiki, The – Kuhio Ave., in the Waikiki Trade Center / Sports Bar featuring burgers and kitschy Hawaiian themed decor; live local music & dance club during late night hours (4am club) / currently vacantShelter, The – Location / features / *contributed by Jion WansuShipley’s – Manoa Marketplace / music every Sunday night was Mike Ka`awa & Friends / currentlyShasteen’s – Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki / upstairs towards the beach, best Blue Hawaiian drinks; regular spot for US service members back in the 80s *contributed by Ray CunninghamShort Snorter Bar – the OLD Honolulu Airport (pre-1962) / “Short Snorter” was a collection of bank notes (legal tender CASH), both U.S. and European currencies taped together into a roll upon which military service members would sign each other’s names as keepsakes. They were collected, typically, in bars and other raucous spots where the rank & file could relax / currently *contributed by Tom GibsonSir John’s – nearby the old KITV & KHON studios / features / currentlySlammers Bar & Grill – Kalakaua Ave. / features / currently *contributed by DaSauceManSloppy Joe’s & Fat Tuesdays – Aloha Tower Marketplace / bar and grill restaurant by day, club by night, It then opened as WATERFRONT CAFE, another hybrid restaurant/nightclub / currentlySouth Seas, The – makai side of Kalakaua (about where Ala Moana runs into it) / features / currently *contributed by Richard WileySparky’s – Kapiolani Blvd. / Kapena performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Spat’s – sidewalk-fronted cellar of the Hyatt Regency, Waikiki / Rian Neves was DJ *contributed by Rollow MickleSpindrifters – Kahala Mall / Music Magic performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Stardust, The – Beretania (opposite and Ewa of the Palace theater) / features / currently *contributed by Richard WileySteel Wings – 1775 Ala Moana Blvd. / it had an airline theme with bartenders dressed as pilots and servers dressed as flight attendants. The Whiz Kids were the house band with a lead guitarist who looked and sounded like an Asian Rod Stewart / currently the space is Morimoto Waikiki *contributed by RyanStop Lite – location / One hell of an adult circus show. Flute players, Cookie Monsters, and ping pong swingers / currently *contributed by Dean MasutomiStuart Andersons – Ward / Country Living performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Studebaker’s – Restaurant Row, Kaka’ako / bartop performances by their wait and bar staff / currently M Night Club (previously Ocean Club)Stuffed Tomato, The – McCully/Ala Wai *contributed by mr. crabnutsSty, The – Niu Valley Shopping Center / home of Bruddah Moe Keale, a.k.a. “Zulu” *contributed by “Kona” Wally C.Sugar Mill Lounge – location / Phaze VII performed there / currentlySurf Bar – Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki / round configuration; drink, dance and live music by the ocean; if you were lucky you could sneak up on Bertha Young and ask her if she knew where the Pacific Ocean was *contributed by Doug CrockerSwing Club, The – Hotel St. / Jazz club / currentlyTahiti, The – Nuuanu, near Hotel St. / 60s era; Tahiti On Nuuanu Ave. / Tanya, Tudi, and Flo would serve it up *contributed by JimTahitian Lanai – Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki / the complete embodiment of what Waikiki should be today, now but a distant memory / currently the brand new Waikikian time share resort (operated by Hilton Hawaiian Village)Taj Mahal – Ala Moana Blvd (by Ward Center) / features / currentlyTammy’s Lounge – Hotel Street, downtown Honolulu / Club Hubba Hubba era *contributed by WahiniguyTerritorial Tavern – Bishop St., downtown Honolulu / Home of Booga, Booga comedy group and the Beamer Brothers / currentlyTexas Paniolo ‘s Bar – Waikiki / features / currentlyTherapy Sports Grill – Koko Marina, Hawaii Kai / sports bar & asian fusion cuisine / previously Just Tacos; currentlyThird Floor, The – Kalakaua Hotel (currently the Marriott), Waikiki / owned by famed developer Chris Hemmeter *contributed by Doug CrockerTiki – International Marketplace, Waikiki / features / currentlyTomato, The – Waikiki (next to Al Phillips the Cleaners) / Monty Monroe was DJ; after-hours competition for LAVA LAVA (across the street, where what became The Wave Waikiki) *contributed by webrunner and Rollow “Mahalo” MickleTop Of Da Shoppe – Kapiolani Blvd. / Kalapana, Summer, England Dan and John Ford Coley, James Lee Stanley performed there / currently *contributed by A.T.Top of the I – Ilikai Hotel / features / currently *contributed by Catherine “Cathi” BellTrappers – Hyatt Regency, Waikiki / live Jazz / currentlyTrixx – Kuhio Ave., Waikiki / alternative lifestyle bar and club / previously Hamburger Mary’s; currentlyTropics Cafe Bar and Lounge – Ward Farmers Market, Kaka’ako / happy hour hot spot; ono grindz; live music / currently Real Gastro PubUnderwater Bar – parking garage of the Outrigger Reef Hotel / features / became an Irish Pub later? *contributed by TappyTwo Jacks Funny – Hotel Street, downtown Honolulu / a regular stop after Hubba Hubba in the late 80’s / currently *contributed by Nick galanteValentino’s – Waikiki / disco dance contests at Valentino’s were so successful that they extended the number of contests until a Thursday night in October ’78 where the finals were televised live on KHON TV Channel 2 with a first prize of $5000; Rollow “Mahalo” Mickle was DJ at Valentino’s *contributed by Rollow “Mahalo” MickleVelvet Lounge – Kaka’ako (across the former CompUSA / features / previously was Grumpy’s, then became Blue Ocean Thai Restaurant / currentlyVenus Nightclub – Kapiolani Blvd. (adjacent to Ala Moana Center) / drag & male review shows; dance club / currently Bar SevenVirus, The – Location / features / *contributed by Jion WansuVolcano Night Club – Nimitz Business Plaza / younger hip-hop crowd / previously World Cafe, currentlyWaikiki Tavern – Ewa end of Kuhio beach / food downstairs, booze place upstairs / currently *Contributed by Richard WileyWarehouse, The – Waimanu St. / live music by Jesse Morgan and the Moptops; good live music with psychedelic light show; teens were into weed and downers as this was in the 60′s; used to get a laugh when some of the kids really thought they were getting buzzed by the non alcoholic ”Near Beer” *contributed by PhilWarrior Lounge, The – Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki / features / currentlyWaterfront Cafe – Aloha Tower Marketplace / bar and grill restaurant by day, club by night / previously was Sloppy Joe’s & Fat Tuesdays; currentlyWave, The – Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki / owned by Jack Law, owner of world-famous Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand; live bands; alternative lifestyle; before The Wave, it was LAVALAVA / currently the site situates an upscale condominium *contributed by webrunner
Wahiawa Hut, The – location / features / *contributed by mr. crabnutsWhiskey Willy’s – Waikiki / first “real” disco in Waikiki; opened with Bill Walton as manager; big time bands from the mainland played there; sometime in late ’74/’75 they decided to have a DJ play during the band breaks, to which Rollow “Mahalo” Mickle got the job since he knew the manager and Rollow was already a big time disco dancer along with his then girlfriend (and eventually 1st wife) Kalani Rogers; later it became Da Sting, managed by Fred Hirayama *contributed by Rollow “Mahalo” MickleWhitney’s – Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe / neighborhood bar / currentlyWimpy’s – makai Ewa corner of Fort Street Mall & Beretania / features / currently *contributed by Richard WileyWinery, The – “below street level” dnace/nightclub in Waikiki, mauka side, a little Ewa of Kanekapolei, maybe even Ewa of Walina; around the same time that Rumours (in the Ala Moana Hotel) was in it’s hey day in the early 80’sWonder Lounge, The – location / features / currentlyWorld Cafe – Restaurant Row, Kaka’ako, then moved to the Nimitz Business Plaza in a large back area warehouse. They survived for a while, then closed to become VOLCANO Night Club. They then closed as well.
World Famous, The – next to Opehrs on Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki / features / *contributed by mr. crabnutsYappy’s – Kapahulu / famous for the wait staff having to wear a “I am a Boy” pin to make sure nobody made a “Crying Game” discovery! / currently *contributed by KeithFZebra Room, The – Kalakaua Ave., between Young & Beretania / Dave Brubeck played there for a while before he became THE Dave brubeck / currently *contributed by Richard Wiley2 Jacks – lower Hotel Street / often had live music (jazz) / currently *contributed by Richard Wiley2nd Floor – Kailua / Bryon Bryant was DJ *contributed by Rollow “Mahalo” Mickle
23rd Step – Kailua / nightclub / currently

3Ds! Wow, that brings back some memories. In the early days, underage kids could get in because they didn’t have a liquor license, but that didn’t mean sobriety was much in evidence. (Which made the trip up and down those rickety exterior stairs, past the strip club on the second floor, a bit of an adventure.) I saw that Social Distortion show there, but mostly I remember when Spiny Norman was in residence. (Years later, I worked with one of the band members.) I wonder if I knew you then, Jeff.

The only vintage clothing place I remember was around the corner from the Wave. I bought my first leather jacket there, perfectly broken in, super cheap. The Wave had an attached clothing store for awhile, too: Garb-Age.

I worked at the Ala Moana Hotel from 1979 to 1988 at the Front Desk area. There was no Rumor’s Night Club when I started. Is the General Manager John Cushne or Koen Witteveen (spelling for both names are probably wrong). During that time the hotel provided Kamaaina’s with a lot of entertainment. There was Melveen Leed at the Garden Lanai, Brothers Cazimero at the Kamaaina Room, Olomana at the Malahini Room, and I think Rap Repplinger had a gig at the poolside.

I always checked out your website this is the first time I replied. Keep up the good work I know a lot of people beside myself appreciate it.

A lot of the restaurants in your earlier list also had bars, so a lot of double coverage here…

In Waikiki, I remember Matteo’s and Nick’s Fishmarket had nice bars. And every hotel in Waikiki had at least one. Plus all the venues in hotels where the floor shows like Society of Seven, Zulu and the Kanakas, Jesse Kalima, Peter Moon and the Brothers Cazimero and comedy acts like Frank Delima and Rap Raplinger played. I forget all the names of the spots in all those hotels, but I do remember the two drink minimum! LOL

True many, if not most restaurants also have bars, however for most restaurants that take themselves seriously as such, the bar’s not their focus, but just an add-on must-have attraction. It’s when the said restaurant makes their bar the central focus that they become tagged as BAR or NIGHTCLUB first, restaurant second, hence make it on this list. Case-in-point, The Shack Waikiki (which we know how that worked out).

Nick’s Fishmarket is another perfect example, as only in their final days did they start turning the restaurant into club events at night, trying to attract the younger crowd. While I haven’t been to any of those events, I heard it did pretty good, but not great. IMO, a well-respected restaurant needs to take care of their FOOD first, bar second. The day Michel’s at the Colony Surf starts hosting nightclub events, I’ll start worrying about them. Their food, service, location and reputation is too good for that.

That said, there’s just a few establishments that qualify for both the ‘restaurant memorial’ and ‘bar and nightclub memorial’ list. Thankfully just a few.

FYI for you folks not on Oahu, one of the oldest standing “old school” clubs still around is Rumours Nightclub in the Ala Moana Hotel, a.k.a. “Cougars in Cages”. Also, incredibly, a few old school gentlemen’s clubs are still around, including Femme Nu (Kapiolani Blvd.), Club Rock Za (Kapiolani Blvd.), Misty I (Kona St.), Exotic Nights (Halekauwila St.) and Saigon Passion (Kapiolani Blvd.); most of which are near or over 20 years old.

Club Rock Za

Speaking of club this and club that, I think Club Geisha House, located on Kapiolani Blvd, right across McKinley High School field (how appropriate) is where Club Ugly used to be…

“Honey, I’m gonna’ get together with the fellahz at Club Ugly.” “Oh, OK dear, have a fun time! Don’t come home too late now.”
vs.
“Honey, I’m gonna get together with the fellahz at Club Geisha House.” “Oh HELL NO, you ain’t going to no frickin’ Geisha house club!”

…which is probably why they came out with ‘Club Don’t Tell Your Mama’. LOL

AWESOME! Wow, you guys laid down the LAW on old school Honolulu clubs and bars for SURE! Any more that come to mind, keep ’em comin’!

I bet there will be folks out there asking their parents, “Mom, do you remember The Rathskellar? Or the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau playing at Hank’s Place in Kaimuki? How about the The Zebra Room?” To which mom might reply, “No, however I do remember working at Blue Zebra, and we’ll keep it at that.”

Seriously, this has now got to be the mother list of all lists on the subject, thanks to you! This will surely come in handy for folks Googling around for memories of days gone by enjoying the night life on Oahu.

Note to anyone, there’s still lots of establishments that need the blanks filled, especially for location and features, such as what type of music or band was playing there, clientele, events, etc.. If you see “location” / “features” / “currently”, and know any relevant info’ for that establishment, please let us know!

Through one of the links reader Tom Gibson provided for the Sky Room at the OLD Honolulu Airport (pre-1962), I learned there was also a bar there called the Short Snorter Bar, which has been added to this list.

“Short Snorter“? Utterly fascinating, is all I have to say. Just when you thought you heard it all.

Steel Wings which had an airline theme with bartenders dressed as pilots and servers dressed as flight attendants. The Whiz Kids were the house band with a lead guitarist who looked and sounded like an Asian Rod Stewart. Currently the space is Morimoto Waikiki.

Ai, Yah! What about “Yappys” in Kapahulu? Was famous for the wait staff having to wear a “I am a Boy” pin to make sure nobody made a “Crying Game” discovery! Not to mention the “Glades” downtown with the “Boys will be Girls” revue! Not that I ever went there…. LOL The Glades revue was so well known that in the 70’s a fraternity at UH actually presented the show on campus as a fund raising venture!

IIRC, there was a documentary on TV (no pun intended, regarding the acronym) about the red light district in Bangkok, where a law was/is enacted that bars there that have drag queens need to clearly state that’s what they feature, due to complaints from tourists. They’re THAT difficult to tell their real gender, a SIGN needs to be posted. Dang!

@ Richard – Added. Thanks! Wow, another LONG one, and quite an AMAZING memory you’ve got there! So if a cheap shot of whiskey was 25¢ in the 1950’s, when you said minimum wage was 75¢ per hour, that would be equivalent to about $2.50 per shot in today’s economy @ $7.25 minimum wage. IIRC, there’s been radio commercials promoting nightclubs serving $1 shots, which would be equivalent to about 7¢ back in 1950.

I bet there’s so many hole-in-the-wall bars in the Chinatown (Hotel street) area alone that have come and gone over the years that have yet to get on this list. Then there’s the industrial Kalihi area, sprawling with hostess bars that seemingly change names more often than versions of smartphones. Usually “Under new management”. Just the names alone crack me up!

Davy Jones Locker in the Waikiki Reef Hotel with the “Underwater Bar” so we could drink and spok da tourist wahine in da pool
Keone’s on Lewers is noticably absent. Jimmy Borges made this after hours club his own
i remember an “exotic dance” club called Crazy Horse in Kailua and finally
The Rainbow Tavern shallow on Kalakaua one block Ewa from the Ala Moana junction where C&K made their bones

I posted on the sister site about Jilly’s, but I recall my first night escapades with a buddy who invited my Friend and I to stay with him, again we stayed for over a month, but the place he took me the first night was bizarre, accessed only by 4wheel drive in forest grove in the hills, no paved roads, and when we got there it was a shack, sure they had no liquor license, in the middle of no where…all islanders wearing native type of skirts, either Samoan, Tongan or Fijian not sure, my buddy was a rugby player, assuming these guys were also, huge Football lineman type of guys, and they served Micholob , I think, but thinking now, they were teal blue bottles again the early 80’s, anybody ever go there first time I heard the ” Brah, your money no good here”

Anyone remember “The Merry Monarch” in Waikiki? I am guessing hotel expansion took it. I’ve been trying to remember the band that played there a year or more in 1968. They did covers of the “soul” stuff.

Was Merry Monarch a bar, restaurant or hotel? There is currently a hotel/condo in Waikiki named the Hawaiian Monarch, located on the far Ewa (west) end (beginning of the strip). I believe there’s tiny bar in there, but don’t know what it’s called.

It was a “lounge” or “nightclub” … with a dance floor, live band. It was not part of a hotel. It was between the beach and Kalakaua Ave, near Ft Derussy but I forget which side. Not as far west as the Ilikai.

OK, I added Merry Monarch to the list as Merry Monarch Lounge, along with several question marks on spelling and exact name. Being as you know, Merrie Monarch, the hula festival in Hilo is spelled like that: Merrie, not Merry. However I’m thinking due to legal issues, this bar/lounge/nightclub changed the name to Merry Monarch.

I’ll ask my mom later if she remembers that place, as that’s around her era of being familiar with the Waikiki night scene.

In the mean time, you might want to check out this website, as it lists many local bands from around that era:

OK – I think it was spelled “Merry” but could be wrong. That was our regular place to meet girls (tourists). I was Navy of course and was stationed there a couple years … ’67 & ’68. Lived on base awhile in Wahiawa and then at Sunset Beach.

Richard, I modified Jim’s contribution for Merry Monarch with your notations. I’m wondering if the building you’re talking about is the one that got torn down, and is now then new Hard Rock Cafe Waikiki, as I remember that being a large entertainment type of establishment. If you haven’t been to Waikiiki lately since Hard Rock moved from the corner of Kapiolani and Kalakaua Ave, to its new home on Beachwalk and Kalakaua,I must say, you gotta’ see it. They really did a great job with their new location. I’m never been a fan of the whole Hard Rock theme (nor am I of any theme restaurant), yet FWIW, a great addition to the Waikiki nightlife.

I was bass player for two bands that played at the Merry Monarch: “The Wilde Ones” in1966 and “The Gross National Product” in 1967. Both bands covered soul music. We played 7 nights a week for 13 weeks straight in 1966. The Honolulu night scene at that time was populated by literally thousands of servicemen every night, including those on R and R at Fort DeRusy. There were no topless waitresses there in the summers of 66 and 67. I would have noticed.

I remember the Merry a Monarch back in 64/65. It was the only dance place that stayed opened till 3:00am. I was assistant manager at Rielly’s a Go Go on corner of Kalakowa & Kohio. Used to be Dolan’s Steak a House in early 60s. That’s where Dick Jensen got his start. I worked the door at Dolan’s for a while in 63. Rielly’s was a “cook your own steak” place and we turned into nightclub after dinners. We use to have bands like Paul Revere & the Raiders. (God rest his soul)

great times back then in the early/ mid 1960s. Before all the high rises got built.

Aloha, I got to go to Ford Island for the first time this weekend. I was talking story with my mom who has lived on the mainland for years now. She was telling me she used to play music at the Enlisted Men’s Club back in the 60’s. I know a lot of the places listed are local clubs but I was just wondering if anyone has ever heard or been there. It was nice going down memory lane with her but I couldn’t find much information online about this place.

The Enlisted Club has been added to the list. Mahalo! The only restaurant I remember on base was the Mongolian Barbecue at Kaneohe Marine Base, circa 1970’s. Our neighbor was a nuclear sub commander and used to take us there for special occasions. Awesome food!

I fondly remember The Merry Monarch……It was my Hang out place when I was station at Pearl 1966-1968. I looked forward to the week ends at this place. I remember one night that the waitress lost her PASTIE in my tall beer glass. Ahhh! to be 21 again,Wondeful memories of Night Life in Wiakiki!

Terry – do you recall the name of the band that played the Merry Monarch for ’67 and all of ’68 (and maybe beyond)? They were big on “soul” music (covered Sam & Dave, Soul Survivors, Wilson Pickett, etc).

One of the music groups that played at The Merry Monarch was “Ken & The 4 Notes”. They also played at The Beef-N-Grogg, Pearl Harbor EM Club, Ft. DeRussy NCO Club, Ft. Shafter NCO Club and a few other places. They played live cover music of the famous soul groups of the time. I still have a Military Recreation Guide from ’68 and ’69 and it shows them performing there.

I remember Ferdinand’s, in the Reef hotel on Kuhio Ave. across from Nahua St., Lyle the bartender and Tammy waited tables and Gilberto Martinez was playing Guitar. That was when Waikiki was a fun and interesting place and filled with real people.

Dean-San, your “act” info’ has been added to the Stop Lite listing. Only one thing missing (which I don’t know): where was Stop Lite located? I remember hearing about such “shinigans” at some club on or around Hotel street (Chinatown) way back in the day, which I thought was at Hubba Hubba.

Someone on another message board said Club Rock Za across the Convention Center used be called “Stop Light”. Is that the same one?

A place I used to go with my boys… Liquids, it took over the Mooses University spot for a while. College crowd, beach attire, dj and live music, and they had sand scattered over the floor to finish the beach scene off. First time I saw the local music group “Ten feet” play live….. Aloha, Taneets

I remember Shasteens, they had the best Blue Hawaiian drinks there. It was a regular spot to go to by my fellow shipmates from the USS Enterprise CVN-65, back in the 80’s. I recall it was upstairs towards the beach in the Waikiki Village.

the Hilton Hawaiian Village is where Shasteens was. Used to go there all the time in the ’80’s to listen to country music when it was all the rage in the ’80’s. John Gloria was the name of the guy who used to be the main band there. Wonder what happened to my cowboy hat and boots now?

”Terry – do you recall the name of the band that played the Merry Monarch for ’67 and all of ’68 (and maybe beyond)? They were big on “soul” music (covered Sam & Dave, Soul Survivors, Wilson Pickett, etc).”

The reason I’m here is that I googled, trying to find the name of the band. I remember it very well, just not the name. I hope someone remembers.

I replied to an earlier post (October, 2013) that I was bass player for two bands that played in ’66 and ’67, the Wilde Ones and the Gross National Product. Both played soul covers as well as other kinds of music. Don’t know who might have played after mid-summer ’67.

Mike – I must have listened and danced to you guys a few times in ’67. I remember the band I was asking about being the second one during my time on the island. They were still there when I left late December ’68. The Merry Monarch did not have topless in those days – they did have 2 or 3 “go-go” dancers.

I was stationed at PH in the late 80’s and hotel street became my drunken paradise. I can only remember club Hubba Hubba, and Two jacks funny because I only went into those two bars twice the rest of the time I spent between 2 Korean bars and I can’t even remember the names.. I know Minji worked in one and I was dating Sunny (or Anna whichever she chose to use at the time) at the other one. Also got a Hawaiian hula dancer tattoo at the tattoo shop that used to be on hotel street….if anyone remembers the bars that used to be there that would be great.

Before crazy horse in Kailua was Ernie’s, local groups played there. Then it became Crazy Horse.
For the kids in the 60’s we had the Hoot above Rocky’s liquor store across from the library and Police Station.

Lucky Pierre’s was upstairs at Puck’s Alley. It was owned by the same guy who owned Little Orphan Annie’s and they shared a lot of bands. A band called the Piranha Brothers would come over from Chicago once a year and play both. Lucky Pierre’s changed ownership in 1982(?) and became York’s for a while. Saw Talking Heads and B-52s at Little Orphan Annie’s.

I can’t remember the name of the guy who owned Orphan Annie’s & Lucky Pierre’s, he was a friend of my brother’s. After LP’s closed, it briefly became the name of the south half of Orphan Annie’s after they split the building into two clubs. You entered in the door and either went right to LP’s, which had country music because that was big then, or left to OA’s which was your basic sleazy rock joint. IIRC, they finally closed down after (rumor had it) being busted one too many times by the liquor board for watering their booze. More likely it was because they let us underage kids in all the time for their famous $2 High on Friday nights.

It was briefly revived as Jack Cione’s Dunes, but that didn’t take, then a couple from Alaska opened up Gussie L’Amour’s in 1982. The owners, Dennis and his wife, were determined to run a clean place without the fights and drugs Orphan Annie’s had in the last days. They were mostly successful, in part because their head bouncer was a former Hell’s Angel who was *very effective* at enforcing the rules. I worked there briefly in the early years, which is where I met my husband.

A personal note: Dennis was pretty nasty to all the women who worked for him, always talking about how we were just there to take advantage of the poor sailors who frequented the place. He said as much to a guy who was one of my regular drinking buddies, and my friend damn near decked him. That friend and I have been married for 32 years. Living well has been the best revenge.

Used to go to the clubs over most weekends back in 1999 until about 2001. We used to go to 2 or 3 different ones on Fridays then 2 or 3 other ones on Saturdays sometimes. The majority of the ones I went to were, in no particular order:

* The Wave
* The Eye
* Pyramids
* Eurasia
* Blue Tropix
* The Virus
* Mystique (either Oceans, Mystique, or Zanzabar were in the same building before, I forgot though)
* The Shelter (1739s)
* World Cafe
* Cellar’s
* Venus
* Climber’s Paradise (used to turn into a rave every now and then)
* Rumors

I remember going to Blue Oyster on Kuhio Ave. next to Scruples. And the Underwater Bar in the parking garage of the Outrigger Reef Hotel. I think it became an Irish Pub later. And I can’t remember the name of the club upstairs at this same hotel, but it was a disco back in the early 80’s. That was a fun place to meet tourist. Some use to pretend that they were leaving the next day and a couple weeks after that, we see them again trying to hit on another local chick… what a laugh. Does anyone know the name of that club at the Reef Hotel?

Thanks for all the memories! Our booking agency – Windefall Artists Management – Yemun Chung (founder of (the Fabulous) Krush, Byron Young and I (brought the Kasuals from Guam) used to book many of those Waikiki haunts. The Reef Showroom, Infinity, the Beef N Grog, the Jazz Cellar, Hula Hut, Hawaiian Hut, Captain Nemo’s, Top of the I, the Point Ater, etc. etc. etc. those definitely were the days! Of all the managers we worked with – Jack Cione, Dominic Lucci, Donlee Cardejon, Jack Law, Lee Afuvai, George Simone, Randy Schoch, Rod Gardiner, Bill Walton, etc. etc., the only one still in the biz that I know of is Jack Law. Donlee manages a Rat Pack group and lives in Vegas and Randy is the Regional Mgr (I think) for Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Arizona I think. But he just held a Black Orchid reunion in Ruth’s Chris in Waikiki last week, so he still comes back to town.
Again, thanks for the memories!

Red Rooster in Duke Lane/Kuhio Ave,behind International Market place mostly Blacks frequented that place, but some of locals would chance um, glad we did because most of the time was pretty much fun.
Another memorable spot was a Teenage club called The Warehouse on Waimanu St. Remember live music by Jesse Morgan and the Moptops, Good live music with psychedelic light show. Teens were into weed and downers as this was in the 60’s. Used to get a laugh when some of the kids really thought they were getting buzzed by the non alcoholic ” Near Beer”

I was rhythm guitarist for the “Children of Stone” and played the Hoot Club in Kailua in December, 1966 for a UH student event. I think it became the “23rd Stair” or something like that later.

Scott Rhode

The Warehouse, The Funny Farm, and The Chinese American Club all had great bands playing in the mid 60’s. As mentioned above, The MopTops, Luke’s Pineapple Store, The Spirits, The Casuals of Waikiki with Steve Lucas on guitar, Luv Special Delivery, The Silver Bike, The Young Ones and a host of others whose names escape me at the moment.

I remember going to C-5 quite a lot back when it was on Hotel st, and then when it moved to Sand Island Access rd. Min, the owner, was nuts, but it was one of the few places I had no problems drinking in when I was 19. Lot of metal,thrash and punk bands played there. Used to get these pitchers of a drink, can’t remember the name, but it was pink and it messed you up!

Haven’t noticed anyone mention “Charlie’s Tavern” near University Ave. Home for college frat. Kappa Iota. Remember old Charlie in his seat at the end of the bar, was there day and night, never saw him get off his stool. Met Carol Kai there in 1967, sure she doesn’t remember me.lol The rumor was that Charlie was “the bank” for some gambling crowd who needed a safe place to store their cash in his big safe.lol

What a lot of rememberances. I was looking for something else and came upon you folks instead. Best luck all day. It may not be within the parameters of your list but in the mid 1960’s La Mariana on sand island was one of the last of the old style tropical bars around, kind of like Ponape Rose’s place or the bars in Papeete of the same era. I understand it is a tiki bar now but at least it is still there. I cannot remember the owner’s name but I think she had the place until a few years ago.

Back in the mid-seventies I was the drummer for an all woman band called, SUGAR. We played the Diamond Head Crater Festival and many other places.

We also played New Years Eve with The SOS and I also put on a show at a club called, UNDER CONSTRUCTION which was a gay night club. How about The Tomato club on McKinney? Hula’s? Had a lot of fun back in those 70’s days.

If you remember Hula’s when they were on Kuhio “under the banyan tree”, you must also remember Hamburger Mary’s next door. And there was also another gay bar next to that named Trixx (listed above). Not that I went there — as at the time, I was too young — but we as local teenagers during those years in the early 80s were always aware of them. ;-)

The property where the old Hula’s was on Kuhio Avenue “under the banyan tree” is currently under construction to become The Ritz Carlton Waikiki Beach luxury residence, surely costing more per unit than “the average joe” can afford. That parcel takes up from where the former Hula’s was, all the way up, Diamond Head-bound to the sewage treatment plant just before Lewers Avenue. HUGE property, covering a SWATH of the “gateway” on the Makai (ocean) side of Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki.

Good call. What you’re referring to is Lucky Luck’s, a.k.a. the “Okole Maluna Bar”. It was owned by Robert Luck, who was actually originally from Missouri, and came to Hawaii as a military service member. He then went on to become one of Hawaii’s most beloved radio DJs during the “Aku Coconut Wireless era”, with an amazingly accurate prowess for Pidgin Hawaiian-English.

My mother knew Robert “Lucky Luck” personally, and used to catch Kanoho Crab in the waters off Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai, then take the live crab to Lucky Luck’s “Okole Maluna Bar”, where “Lucky Luck” would simply boil them and serve to my mother’s friends just like that. And an interesting connotation to that, the late Robert Luck’s son’s name is Pomaika’i (same as me), so go figure.

From what I was explained to best, Lucky Luck’s “Okole Maluna” bar was located where Foodland once stood in Koko Marina (now Walgreens).

Based on the area you mentioned between KITV and KHON back in the 70s and 80s, Sir John’s Bar would have been located on Ala Moana Boulevard, a block Ewa of Ala Moana Shopping Center, somewhere around what is currently Hokua Tower and Naru Tower condominiums.

I know one of the news directors who worked for KHON back in those days. I’ll try asking him if he remembers Sir John’s.

An interesting tidbit about old Honolulu news buildings is also the former KGMB 9 building on Kapiolani Boulevard, across Ala Moana Center. It’s now completely renovated and subdivided for multiple tenants, including a Thai restaurant, the popular M&W Restaurant, and Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union, and a few other tenants. I’m VERY surprised that wasn’t razed for yet another luxury condo’.

All your contributions have been added to the list. Mahalos! If you have any more specific details about each of those places, that would be great, as so far it’s just the name and approximate location in the database.

I really enjoy reviewing this list and comments from the past…. It brings back fond memories and times I will never forget. There was the round Surf Bar outside on the Royal Hawaiian grounds.You could drink, dance, listen to music and the ocean,visit with friends, etc.
and if you were lucky you could sneak up on Bertha Young and ask her if she knew where the Pacific Ocean was… And, all that came gratis from a friendly bartender who never left me a tab to pay for more than a buck and a quarter. True Hawaii indeed…Was glad to see Nick’s Fish Market
show up on the list as last I saw him was at his place at the Fairmont on Maui. Didn’t see The Third Floor at Chris Hemmeter’s Kalakaua hotel which I believe is now the Marriott. Yes, those were the days when trying to pick which beach to go to on the weekends and whether to eat at Nick’s, Matteo’s, the Red Vest or go to the Mama’s and Papa’s concert at the Point After??? Hmm.think I’ll just throw a couple of 6’ers into my Hawaiian cooler and ride up to my $50.00 mo. beach house on Crozzier loop in Mokuleia and catch our dinner. Reminds me, any one remember “M’s in an alley off of Bishop St.? Hard to find but, the best cheeseburger and fries in town.

Loved Nicks Fish market. On my nights off work I would start there and usually end up at the Red Noodle or Infinity. When I left the Islands I hit up Nicks Fish market in Hollywood, The same band would come and play there. Augie Ray I think his name was. Mateos is was one of my favorite also. Long time ago. Fun times and bad times. Honolulu was such a corrupt place at that time. Maybe still is.

After work we would end up at Dennys down the street from the Sheraton. You sometimes would see Jack Lord eating there, two inches of makeup plastered on his face. We didn’t leave work til like three in the morning once the place was clean, changed out of our little bathing suit uniform and had our free pau drink.

Your (greatly detailed) contributions have been added to the list. Mahalos!

Doug, I’ve dined a couple times at Nick’s Fishmarket in the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort. EXCELLENT! The Nick’s Fishmarket in Waikiki has gone through several new owners and concepts, one of which being a sports bar named “Bambooze”. Latest I’ve seen, it was a “generic” breakfast diner. Interestingly, the original Nick’s Fishmarket sign is still up in front.

Thank you for assembling such a great list that captures so many of life’s memories. I’m hoping someone on here might remember the name of bar that currently escapes me. It was a very small gay bar, I believe in Waikiki, that you accessed from an alley and was next to a restaurant. There was a small TV screen for karaoke, and lots of dollar bills stuck to the ceiling. It was the first place I went to with someone who would become my partner for 20 years until his passing, so the place holds good memories. I was able to remember the name until a couple of years ago – age I suppose is setting in.

Duke’s Waikiki at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach, hands-down. Expensive drinks, but the view and ambiance is a million bucks. Very “old Waikiki” vibe, with a great mixture of tourists and locals (about 80% tourists to 30% locals at any given time).

As you may know, they’re almost done rebuilding the Waikiki International Marketplace, where it will be all upscale, however they have retained the banyan tree in the center, which will probably be really cool.

Another “cozy, old school Waikiki” bar I highly recommend is Arnold’s on Saratoga, right across the Waikiki post office. Pretty cool joint.

That all said, you’ll still have to take it with a grain of salt, as NOTHING can replace the golden days of the likes of the Tahitian Lanai and Duke Kahanamoku’s in the OLD Waikiki International Marketplace. ;-\

As an old Spencliff alumni T.L. was the best for that old 1930’s Waikiki. My mom & Dad partied in Waikiki in the 30’same and told me a million times how the T.L. was just like it “used to be”. Anyone from the late ’60’s remember the beautiful Chinese gal that tended bar at the separate bar at street side of the hotel? Now that was an original “tiki” bar. It smelled like bamboo!

What do you think of La Marianas on Sand Island? Some say they’re the “last standing TRUE Tiki Bar in Hawaii”.

The Shack in Hawaii Kai does a pretty good job recreating that tiki bar ambiance (love the Ohia wood framework), although at one time they had some cleanliness issues. I went back there recently and it looks like they cleaned up, including refinishing the wood tables. Probably has to do with the owner who moved back to Hawaii Kai to oversee the operation (he also owns the Shack in Mililani).

I hung out in every bar on and off Hotel St. in the 60’s and most of them on Waikiki as well. My base of ops was the Tahiti On Nuuanu Ave. where Tanya, Tudi, and Flo would serve them up, then I could stroll up to the Pantheon and get a freebie or two from Johnny(?), he was the owner at the time, then cross the street and double-back to Hotel for a visit with the girls at Tokyo on the corner, then back across Nuuanau and down the alley to the Alley Cat to pass some time with Kitty and Ruby. When I wanted peace and quiet I’d head out to June’s Two Moon Café in Pearl City and visit June and the lovely young women who worked for her.

The Funny Farm and The WhereHouse where the Spirits, The MoppTopps, Val Richards V, The Casuals of Waikiki, The Undertakers, & The Telstars all played. Steve Lucas Guitarist for The Casuals is still playing Jazz music with his friends at various locations around town. He organizes “A Fellowship of Jazz” where anyone can drop in and play, sing, perform a hula, etc.

I played in a teen band called “The Children of Stone” and battled friends from other bands such as “The Young Ones”, “The Raiders”, “Lukes’ Pinapple Store”, “The Silver Bike” “Luv Special Delivery” and a host of others. I remember playing at The Hoot Club in Kailua before it became the 23rd Step. I recall Seeing “The Blues Crew” at The Chinese American Club and other bands at the old Green Turtle nightclub, Jade East, etc back in the mid to late 60’s.

There was a place in the mid 60’s up to early 70’s below Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor (international Market Place). The Surfers played there. Don’t know if it was called the Canton Puka (which you have) or it was called The Point. Around 1969/70 I remember it was called The Sweet Marie! They had a hit song “Remember Mary”. Met my wife there!

1. Brandy’s in Stadium Mall. Starting from the late 80’s, was a local watering hole/dart enthusiast’s hang out. Had a lot of dart boards, supplies, etc.. Pretty good pupus, typical bar fair. Used to hold dart leagues there along with other pub style locales like “Elephant and Castle”.

2. I remember a “below street level” dnace/nightclub in Waikiki, mauka side, a little Ewa of Kanekapolei, maybe even Ewa of Walina. I believe it was called “The Winery”. This was around the same time that Rumours (in the Ala Moana Hotel) was in it’s hey day, I’m thinking early 80’s. I was under 21, but some VIPs I hung with at Rumours had connections with management so they gave me a VIP card so I could come and go as I please. Oh the good old days..I was over 18 but under 21 and the drinking age back then was 18, so no laws were being broken. Can’t believe Rumours is still around. Has to be one of the longest running nightclubs in Hawaii.

Jay, mahalo for the contributions, which have been added to the list. Good stuff!

I didn’t know Brandy’s closed. Then again, I don’t frequent that area, so. What’s in there now? Is it another bar?

I assume the reason Rumours has had such staying power, is because it’s owned and operated by the Ala Moana Hotel. Had it been a private company, probably would have been gone long ago. As you know, Rumours is now notoriously nicknamed the “Cougars Den”. lol

Note, Ray’s Seafood was already listed under “Oahu Eateries Memorialized“. I’ve updated that entry with the info’ you provided. You sound like you’re right around my age.

“Celebrity’s” that A.T. mentioned was actually “Celebrity’s Bar and Grill” (CBG for short) and I believe was started by the former managers of “Steel Wings” in the Ilikai. Was awesome to see Mackey and Malani play there back in the day. I think it opened after “Steel Wings” closed. Had a VIP card for Steel Wings, too. Was a brass keychain fob. Pretty classy. Loved their $2 Kamikaze’s (7up back).

Ray’s Seafood Restaurant was a popular watering hole among UH students during the early 80’s. They were in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, 5th floor if memory serves.

Tanaka of Tokyo (now on the 3rd floor of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza) used to be on the 4th floor, I believe (early 80’s). Restaurant was in the back and you walked through the bar to get to it. We used to go to the bar to listen to a local musician (named Jared?) play guitar and sing, before Monterrey Bay Cannery opened in Ward Centre.

Speaking of Ward Centre, I was going to say Ryan’s Parkplace, as I remember when they opened back in 1983. I guess we shouldn’t really be memorializing them, since they technically didn’t close, only changed their name. As they’ve been around for over 30 years, thought I’d give them a shout out. Many happy memories and great shots of whiskey back in the day.

Your list of discos during the 70’s left off some important clubs. The cream of the crop in ’77-’78 was Valentino’s on Lewers St. They held the “Disco 5000” dance contest that was televised live on KHON TV Channel 2. I was the first Disco DJ in Waikiki (straight) and worked many of the early discos including Whiskey Willy’s (DaSting), Capt Nemo’s , Valentino’s, Lava Lava (The Wave) and others before moving to Japan and opening the Maharaja chain that came to Waikiki in the ’80’s.

Wow, if you were the first DJ in Waikiki, then I guess I did not exist when I meet my wife at The Point After in 73/74′ working as a Disk Jockey. Lee Afuvai was the Manager, Francis was his Assistant Manager, Ricky worked the door and many regulars like Herbie Vina. Then of course there was Bobbie McGee’s also before Valentinos. There was also Spats.

And do not forget Infinity. Of course they were in Major Hotels like the Hawaiian Regent (Point After), and Sheraton Waikiki (Infinity). And yes, I remember Capt Nemo’s when Fred Paluso Managed it later to handle many other successful clubs. So please be careful with your claims about being the first DJ in Waikiki. Someone maybe around to check up on you.

The first DJ was really Joanne at Rex’s and Eric’s which started the Disco era in Waikiki. I started playing the band breaks at Whiskey Willy’s (later Da Sting) where Bill Walton was manager. After a year it went all DJ. I knew Lee Afuvai…a great guy. Whiskey Willy’s was the first real Disco in Waikiki. The Point After came later. Rick Lopez was DJ at Hula’s …Rian Neves at Spats…..Rick Mayo at Da Sting. Never heard of you dude! Check your facts and Advertiser critic John Berger. If you don’t know of me …..Rollow “Mahalo” …..then you are the fraud!

Great list of great oldtime bars and fun hangouts on Oahu. Didn’t see The Power House listed–it was across from the Red Noodle. Very rowdy place with lots of action that spilled into the parking lot behind the International Market Place during the late 1960s. The Cock and Bull was another interesting small bar located on a side street off Kuhio Ave. Chucks in Hawaii Kai was a great restaurant with a piano bar. For several years Chucks had a shark on display in a too small aquarium right in front of the “wait to be seated” check in. People complained for a few years until it was finally removed. The 1960s was a great decade–we used to drive to the windward side after the package stores and bars were closed on East Oahu; pulling up behind my friend’s closed bar in Kaneohe, we were able to knock on a door and get a couple cases of Primo Beer for the ride out to Kailua Beach to watch the morning sun.

@ T.T. Your contributions have been added to the list. Note, because Chuck’s in Hawaii Kai was primarily a restaurant, it was placed in the Oahu Eateries Memorialized listing.

Love the details you provided, especially about the shark on display in the too small aquarium at Chuck’s in Hawaii Kai. I take it that’s the same Chuck’s as was also located in Pearlridge, and currently in Waikiki. Which is partially owned by Scott Rolles (his dad was Chuck), an heir of the Outrigger Hotels dynasty.

@ Rollow Mickle – You sure have a unique name! I can see why you went as “Rollow Mahalo”, otherwise it would be difficult to remember your name as the DJ.

Was Rex’s and Eric’s two different establishments, or was it called “Rex’s & Eric’s”? The only disco TV show I remember was “Dance Fever” with Deney Terrio. Then again, from a young age I embraced British rock (Floyd, Zep’, Sabbath, etc.), and became one from the “Disco’s Sucks! Rock Rules!” rebellious group of American male youth. lol

Where exactly was Da Sting (previously Whiskey Willy’s)? Since you know so many of the Waikiki/Honolulu clubs around the 70s era, if you see any listed above that have the location missing, please help provide info’ where they were!

I didn’t know Maharaja was from Japan. Always thought it was a mainland outfit. I believe that space is still vacant ever since Zanzabar left. Same for the space downstairs where The Shack Waikiki was. Man, that was a logistical/security MESS when all those clubs were there at one time (add Maze/Black Diamond). They might as well have put a police substation right in the Waikiki Trade Center. That building is going through a major renovation right now, which it REALLY needs after all that!

@ Ron Skates – Wow, didn’t know Point After dated as far back as the early 70s. I thought that was an 80s club. As for the “first DJ in Waikiki” debate, you and Rollow clearly knew the people behind the Waikiki club scenes during that era. You two should get together over a beer and reminisce!

Da Sting was in the Princess Kaiulani Hotel, overlooking Kaiulani Avenue. I worked as an “assistant host” (bouncer) at the Rose and Crown pub in King’s Alley before and when home from law school at Berkeley. We’d close at 2 and drink and dance at Da Sting ’till 4 in our red palaka shirts while everyone there was dressed to the 9s.

Da Sting had big local hosts, which prevented the fights that plagued some other discos. I think too many guys would come in on drugs like angel dust, then drink and get lolo.

Other hosts were Lee Deshong and Tony Miloni, who left to start Bullwinkle’s, later known as Moose McGillicuddy’s, originally located in the top floor of Waikiki Shopping Plaza. They later opened in the space in Puck’s Alley that used to be The Blue Goose, which was owned by Bob Converse, who also owned The Green Turtle bar on Kapiolani. The Goose was famous for its barrel of free roasted peanuts and popcorn.

Another host was Lynn Sapir, an Iolani grad who owns Johnny White’s Bar in The French Quarter of NOLA.

The Goose was for drinkers and stoners. You could smuggle in your own Spanada or vodka, which you could buy at the liquour store next door. Then you could stagger to The Gingerman a half-block away. That was the hangout for UH athletes, stoners and dealers. Nickle-a-beer nights, dollar wine-cooler pitcher nights and dollar-spaghetti food fights. it took up two floors in the wing of that L-shaped building next to Blazing Steaks. Its kitchen area is now Ahi Assassins.

If you could crawl a few more feet to Anna’s (Banannas) you could hang out with hippies, UH intellectuals (former Gov. Abercrombie and other profs and ass’t profs), bikers and more stoners. Famous for peanut butter and jelly pizzas.

If you were still hungry, there was Kuhio Grill, a local bar with heavy pupus. What you got fed depended on how much you tipped the auntie-looking waitresses. I usually ended up with shoyu hot dog and cabbage. I remember some of the rich jocks, like running back Rocky Pamplin, who graced the first cover of Playgirl magazine, getting whole Maine lobsters. God know how much his waitress got tipped.

Unlike Waikiki, the University bar patrons mostly did just weed, and lots of it. A few also did coke. A much more mellow and hungry crowd than at the discos. The music was more R&B, soul and hard rock.

Do any of you others on Medicare remember the name of the bar where the powerlifter Joe Mayo used to be a host? I think it was in or near where Tony Roma’s is now.

Blue Goose: peanuts on the floor, cable spools for tables, wine coolers, $1beer pitchers, “Grooving on a Sunday afternoon” coming out the speakers, and Fri. afternoon happy hour with your grad student Tudor learning the art of “smoozin” for a passing grade. Yes knew the place well. I can vouch for $1 spaghetti nights at Anna Banana’s. (Don’t remember food fights, must have started that in 1970+.

Only one you missed in University Area was Charle’s Tavern. It was my fraternities home away from home (Kapa Iota)

The memories keep coming back. You need to correct some info on Whiskey Willy’s and I have much more to add. Lee Afuvai was not the DJ …..I was. I love this journey back to my most enjoyable 14 years (’67-’81) I spent in Honolulu and Waikiki. I was a 19 yr old Marine stationed at Kaneohe. The Merry Monarch, Beef & Grog and the Dunes out by the airport were my hangouts. Upon discharge in ’69 I stayed in Hawaii where in ’70 I met my 1st wife (Kalani Rogers) at Dukes in the International Marketplace. There was a place (Alice’s Restaurant) in the Cinerama Coral Reef Hotel (’70-’71) managed by Ben Smeisser. It was on Kalia Road.The Raven Brothers played there and they held dance contests. Kalani and I won many contests and represented the Tomato at the Pepsi sponsored dance contest at the ’71 Hawaii State Fair. Some time around ’74 Rex’s & Eric’s opened a backgammon room and added a small dance floor. Jo Anne from NYC started playing records and teaching people to “touch dance”. When they made the change, Rex bought Eric out and it became just Rex’s. There were already gay discos in Waikiki but this was the first straight venture into disco. Whiskey Willy’s opened with Bill Walton as manager. They had big time bands from the mainland. Sometime in late ’74/’75 they decided to have a DJ play during the band breaks. I knew Bill Walton well since Kalani and I were big club dancers. I asked him to let try the DJ spot. The rest is history. I worked there until it became Da Sting managed by Fred Hirayama. Later Dewey Reed was a manager there. Rick Mayo was my back up DJ and took over when I left. From ’76-’77 I was the DJ at Nick’s Fishmarket ,worked with Tom Johnson (TJ Discos) and the military bases. In ’77 DJ’d at Capt Nemo’s waiting for Valentino’s upstairs to open. After Valentino’s I spun at the Point After in ’79 and the Marrakesh in ’80. The Lava Lava opened next door to the Marrakesh and Robert Aquino who DJ’d with me at the Marrakesh opened at Lava Lava. After a month or so Robert decided that a gay club wasn’t his thing. So I took over until the owner was murdered. I left and Jack from Hula’s bought the club and changed it to The Wave. Highlights of my DJ career in Waikiki include working with Wolfman Jack at the “Disco Dome” Dec 15 ’78 at the Hiltom Hawaiian Village ..a Lady D (Debbie Richie) promotion. DJ Rian Neves (Spat’s) and mobile jock Jimmy James joined me. I got Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi to proclaim June 3-10 as “Disco Dance Week” with the help of Joe Mayo (Rock City Productions and Disco Scene Magazine). The dance contests at Valentino’s was so successful that they extended the number of contests until a Thursday night in October ’78 where the finals were televised live on KHON TV Channel 2 with a first prize of $5000. I was working so of course I couldn’t watch and I wish I could find someone who taped the show. Before the show I was interviewed about being a DJ and I never saw the interview. I will be in Honolulu Aug 26-Sept 12 and if anyone sees this and can help me locate a tape contact me by email rollmick@comcast.net. Aloha and this has been fun! As far as who was first “real” DJ in Waikiki…I put my resume and numerous newspaper clippings up against anyone.

You asked about Maharaja. After the owner of Lava Lava was murdered, I had a disagreement with new management and left. I had been blackballed by the local mob because of my clashes with George Simone (Valentino’s owner) about pay and other issues. I had quit Valentino’s before over pay issues….so when for the second time we had an argument and I left….he put the word out. Many of Waikiki’s nightclubs were run by mob elements and Valentino’s was their headquarters. That is why I ended up at a gay club. During this time the local mob was strong-arming the gay businesses for protection money. The owner of Lava Lava was standing up to them. Now he hires me as the DJ and it quickly became one of the top spots. Many straights started coming there. With no job…I contacted Makoto Kano….a Japanese business man who had approached me a year or do earlier and offered me a job in Japan. I declined because I was in “paradise” already and I knew nothing about Japan. He sent me an airline ticket and in ’81 I was off to the Orient. I helped him for several years as he started Nihon Leasure Develepment Corporation and opened several discos including “Rajah Court” in the Ibis Hotel in Rappongi,Toyoko…..”Zizique” in Sensibashi,Osaka…….and the “Maharaja” in Nagoya. I helped in the design and some of the key design elements of the club. Those elephant tusks that framed the dance floor entries were my idea. I wanted the tusks to be natural white but Mr Kano won out and they were gold plated. I was at the initial meetings with the property owners in Hawaii and was real excited to think I would be returning to Waikiki as Manager and part owner of the “Maharaja” there. Japan was no different from Hawaii in that many of the clubs are run by the yakuza (mob). Once again I had trouble with issues and parted ways after about 7 years working with Mr Kano. Ended up in court for breach of contract. They settled out of court and I moved back home to Nashville in ’88. Mr Kano did open the club…but without me. I don’t know it’s history or how successful they were.

Ok Rollow… I am not sure where you got the impression someone was inferring Lee Afuvai was a DJ. He was the Manager of the Point After, for as long as I can remember. In the early 70’s I was a regular there. He knew I was interning at one of the local radio stations as well as working the board for some of the Radio Jock’s. Back then you had to have an FCC 3rd class license or have someone who had one working the board to work be on air as Radio talent.

The Point After was using two live bands – however, between sets they felt they were losing drink revenue and people would leave. Lee approached me because they wanted to setup a DJ booth across from the band platform and have them keep the pace going & who could refuse Lee? …He was such a great guy – so I did it. This was around 1973. This was the first Disco club to the best of my knowledge in Waikiki to use a DJ. Although I am not sure of exact date. Francis was his assistant manager and Rick “Ricky” Kahalehau was a host. I meet my wife when I was there.

In those days, everything was vinyl or carts. Basically our job was queuing up the right track on the record, fading them in and out with a little ad lib in-between. The objective was to keep the atmosphere of the club going where people would not lose interest, know your play list and pace your audience between fast paced Disco interspersed with some slow songs when you saw your crowd losing interest. It was not rocket science.

The Point After opened around 1970/71 in Waikiki (See article below for confirmation). There was another one in Dallas I believe.

“As Rick Kahalehau, disk jockey and host of the Point After, the first disco to open on Oahu six years ago, describes the scene. “There are a lot of clubs opening up now, but if you check it out, you’ll find that not many of them are making it.

The Point After is owned by an investor from Japan and features two dance floors along with both live band and recorded disco music in between sets. Besides disco music, top 10 singles and soul single are interspersed during the band intermission. Tapes are used for the first hour and then albums and singles take their place between band sets.

The Point as it is commonly called, caters to a young local crowd. …

Two other clubs, the Infinity and Rex + Eric’s, opened in 1974 when the local disco scene’s popularity was bursting open.

Rex + Eric’s is both a restaurant and a disco. As General Manager Bob Daniels describes the establishment caters to “the beautiful young people” who frequent the Waikiki area, quite often drawing celebrities who are on vacation.

It is owned by Rex Chandler and features separate rooms for dancing, eating and backgammon.

“One trend I see is that live music is coming into its own and people who go to discos want live music,” comments Daniels.

Daniels agrees that competition among various new and more established discos has reached a significant intensity.

The backgammon room is unique in Hawaii. People can go into a separate room where tables are set up to play the game. In Rex + Eric’s disco room, music is provided by a live band and recorded music between sets.”

So sir, your dates are off on when Disco started in Waikiki and when DJ’s started in Waikiki and you obviously have a slight bias on which clubs were the “Best Clubs” in Waikiki – a lot of the clubs had lines.

As far as the Lava Lava club owner being murdered, I could not find any documentation on that. Honestly, I have no knowledge of the gay clubs other than Hulas at that time.

Can you tell us the name of the owner of the Lava Lava club who you indicate was murdered? …that does interest me. I do remember when Chuck (Charles Marsland Jr.) was found on the Windward side murdered. He was working as host at the Infinity in the basement of the Sheraton Waikiki. That was in April of 1975. …that was devastating to all of us.

So let’s just chalk this disagreement to dates and knowledge of all the different clubs as it was an interesting time. Remember when most if not all the military guys used to wear wigs in those days? Just a tidbit of the old days.

Also a sad note. Lee Afuvai passed away a few years ago. Sadly, I had not seen him in person since the mid to late 1980’s when he stopped by my office on Kapiolani Blvd. My wife and I did attend his funeral services and I did get a chance to see Herbie V. My wife said she saw Francis there – however, I did not and we did not get to talk to him. Lee’s services were well attended by many notable entertainers as well as government officials and friends. After the Point Lee went on to work under the Waihee and Cayetanto administrations as a liaison to Samoa. I learned a lot from Lee who was a great guy.

I do not see anyone claiming Lee Afuvai was a DJ. He was the manager of the Point After which was in the old Waikiki Marriot Hotel on the second floor. It was considered one of the first Disco clubs in Waikiki opening in the early 70’s (70/71). Lee was extremely respected and later went on to work in the Waihee and Cayetano administrations as Laison to Samoa. Unfortunately a few years ago he left us. His services in Kaneohe were attended by a long list of entertainment and government elite. I saw Herbie there had a nice conversation with him. My wife saw Francis, however we did not get a chance to talk to him. At Lee’s services, former Governor Waihee stated Lee used to be called the Mayor of Waikiki. Lee was an amazing person and is missed by a lot of people who admired him.

As for the Point After, and which club and who started the Disco era in Waikiki, I quote from Billboard Oct 29, 1977

“As Rick Kahalehau, disk jockey and host of the Point After, the first disco to open on Oahu six years ago, describes the scene. “There are a lot of clubs opening up now, but if you check it out, you’ll find that not many of them are making it.

The Point After is owned by an investor from Japan and features two dance floors along with both live band and recorded disco music in between sets. Besides disco music, top 10 singles and soul single are interspersed during the band intermission. Tapes are used for the first hour and then albums and singles take their place between band sets.

The Point as it is commonly called, caters to a young local crowd. …

Two other clubs, the Infinity and Rex + Eric’s, opened in 1974 when the local disco scene’s popularity was bursting open.

Rex + Eric’s is both a restaurant and a disco. As General Manager Bob Daniels describes the establishment caters to “the beautiful young people” who frequent the Waikiki area, quite often drawing celebrities who are on vacation.

It is owned by Rex Chandler and features separate rooms for dancing, eating and backgammon.

“One trend I see is that live music is coming into its own and people who go to discos want live music,” comments Daniels.

Daniels agrees that competition among various new and more established discos has reached a significant intensity.

The backgammon room is unique in Hawaii. People can go into a separate room where tables are set up to play the game. In Rex + Eric’s disco room, music is provided by a live band and recorded music between sets.”

Around 72-73 Lee knew I was working with one of the local Stations, interning. In those days if you were a radio broadcaster you either had to have a 3rd class FCC license or have someone working the board who had one, so I did some pickup work and worked the board also. I had done it overseas and it was easy. Lee mentioned to me that the Point wanted to build a DJ booth across from the Band and between the sets try using a DJ. They felt that a DJ could keep the atmosphere or energy going where people would not leave between sets and also keep drinking. I agreed and it worked out. I did get bored with it and I believe it was Ricky who took over from me when I left.

Back in the 70’s being a DJ at a club was not hard. We used Vinyl and Cart’s. All you really had to do was know your music, que it up, fade one song out and another in with no dead air. You did a little you announced a song here and there nothing that was a big deal. You needed to watch your audience to intersperse the fast songs with some slow ones to keep everyone happy, again not Rocket Science.

Then a lot of clubs followed the trend. Infinity popped up which was very popular in the basement just off the entrance of the Sheraton Waikiki and Rex & Eric’s as well as a lot of others.

As far as the Gay bars in those days, I have to bow to your expertise, I only knew of Hula’s and that great Banyan tree with all its lights. Oh and do not forget the Hamburger place next to it.

I could not find any documentation on the owner of the Lava Lava club being murdered. What was his name? Just curious, it is not showing up as an unsolved homicide so they must have caught the people.

The only murder I can remember was in April of 75 when Chuck (Charles Marsland III (Jr.)) was killed and found on the Windward side. He was a host of the Infinity night club and at the time his father was working in the city prosecutors’ office. His father later became the City Prosecutor and went after those he felt were responsible and what some say was organized crime in Honolulu.

I remember when all of the Military guys used to wear wigs. That was something. As if people could not tell.

Frankly it is hard to follow the time line, as so many clubs were popping up.

If you are coming back in August, you will not recognize the place. Even the International Market Place is not gone, but totally “Updated”. Where we used to call it the Concrete Jungle it is now looking like Rodeo Drive.

Sorry to say that the TV stations have changed ownership and etc, it is doubtful and interviews you may have done in the 70’s and 80’s are still around.

Check out the listing for Da Sting . They corrected the misinfo about Lee being DJ but now it says incorrectly that it was Rex’s. I went to the Point after during that time and know that they had bands. No DJ……oh sure someone would put on some music during the band breaks…all the clubs did that. Maybe a tape or something. But that doesn’t mean that makes them a “real” DJ. I know that “Whiskey Willy’s” was the first all DJ straight disco. That was before The Point. Your berating the abilities to do the job shows your ignorance of what it took to really excel. Music knowledge, mixing ability, working the dance floor and getting the newest cuts before others was prime qualities a great DJ needed. I founded the Pacific Independent DJ Association, was a contributor to Billboard, Dance Music Report, was a member of the Southwest Record Pool and the Canadian Recordpool, published a newsletter (Dancing in Paradise) that I distributed at all the local record stores and boutiques around Honolulu. I have a binder full of stuff relating to my time as a DJ in Hawaii, Japan, and Nashville…where I live today. Sorry Ron but I can’t find any references about you. And if you have never heard of me…then you are probably the one who needs to check your info. I even have a “After Dark” (April 8-14) local magazine article that says”Warmest welcome to Rian Neves back home from San Francisco vacationing….to Rollow Mickle back from New York’s Billboard Convention, spinning at The Point After awaiting opening of the Kanteen Honolulu ( Ward Center) which never opened. I left Hawaii right after the situation at the Lava Lava and never knew the outcome of the owners murder. He was from Sweden and also operated a bath house upstairs from the club. This would have been maybe ’80- ’81. My original DJ handle at Whiskey Willy’s was TJ the DJ ..but if you really know Waikiki’s disco history there was another guy (Tom Johnson) who started using that name. And he had a bad reputation and I wanted to avoid confusion. John Berger, local music critic gave me the name Rollow “Mahalo” in an article in the “Sandwich Isles Gazette” in the Aug 11′ 1978 issue when I was named “DJ of the Week”. Anyway when I’m in Honolulu in a few weeks let’s get together and we can discuss this further.

“They” is me. I’m the editor and owner of this blog. I totally appreciate all you’ve contributed, but DUDE, you need to separate your structure in paragraphs. As in, each establishment in its own paragraph. Between hard facts and your own personal experiences, I’m going CRAZY trying to figure out what you’re describing, as in where and what.

Speaking of “where and what?”, please specify where exactly each place was located. E.G. Rex’s and Eric’s: Kaiulani Street, across King’s Alley (I know that’s not where it was, but just giving you an idea).

All-in-all, Rollow “Mahalo”, you are the MAN! Totally appreciate everything you’ve shared here! Just help me figure out what you’re saying better, so I can convey it properly in the listing.

Rex’s was on the corner of Kuhio and Nahua. I think I saw where Scruples took over the spot.. Sorry about the confusion. In an effort to be accurate, I am going back and reading much of my clippings and articles during that time. Hey….that’s over 30 years ago. When I come in 4 weeks maybe we can get together. The stories I can tell!!! I am writing a book about the history of Disco DJ’s and will make a national effort to get Disco DJ’s recognized for the contributions they made. In the industry there is no acknowledgement of these DJ’s who did it just for the love of it.

Pomai….I ‘m glad I found your sight and I want you to know that I can do more than present a “resume” as Ken Skates suggests. I have local magazines including “After Dark” , “Sandwich Isles Gazette”, “Disco Scene” (published by local legend and promoter Joe Mayo) and the gay community publication “The Aloha Times” that have numerous mentions and stories about my time as a DJ in Waikiki. I can send you copies. I have copies of “Letters to the Editor” of the Star Bulletin that I wrote concerning disco. I was a guest writer for “Disco Scene” and had my own column. In Vol 2 No 9 January, ’79 I wrote a detailed article about the history of Disco at that time in Waikiki and I gave credit to Jo Anne at Rex’s for starting the entry into the straight club scene in Waikiki. Ron …if you read how he plays down being a disco deejay….was probably a “wannabe” and never made it. Common sense tells us that if we are to believe his side then if he was so knowledgeable about that era…with all I have mentioned I did and can prove…how could he not have heard of me. I have letters from radio stations in Honlululu..KPOI and KKUA. Radio legends “Wili Moku” from KORL and Tony Taylor from KIKI were on my Disco panel that judged the first Honlulu Disco Awards held 23 Feb ’79 at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel on Kapahulu. Joe Mayo and “Disco Scene”. Ron Wiley (noted radio jock was also a friend). According to a copy of my “Dancing in Paradise” newsletter in Jan ’79 the members of my Pacific Independent DJ Assoc. included Monty Monroe (The Tomato), Rian Neves (Spat’s), Tonya Sullivan/Scott Hagmaier (Bobby McGee’s), Anna Ujvari (Annabelles), Kalani Whitmarsh (Parrot House), Robert Aquino/Rick Mayo (Da Sting), Bryon Bryant (Second Floor in Kailua), Jimmy Gunn (Fast Eddies) and at least a dozen mobile jocks. These were the DJ’s spinning at that time.

I added the names of the Deejays to each place you mentioned respectively. Where was the Parrot House, and what kind of club was it? Or was it a restaurant?

I didn’t realize Bobby McGee’s was a restaurant. I always thought it was just a club. Bobby McGee’s closed right around when Restaurant Row became popular in the late 80s, and all the Bobby’s and overall (younger) Waikiki club crowd migrated to Studebakers and Black Orchid (owned by Tom Selleck) in Restaurant Row. Cilly’s in Waikiki closed several years after that as well, barely holding on to the hip hop crowd.

Speaking of deejaying, I was listening to the Eddie Trunk show (a rock show) on K-Rock recently, and the musician he was interviewing said it still blows his mind how Deejays today are becoming so successful, coming to the stage with nothing more than a laptop. And here his band is still “lugging around” guitars and drum sets. lol

Again, mahalo Rollow for all the knowledge you’ve been sharing on 70s disco in Hawaii!

Sorry to dispute your claim of Whisky Willy’s being the first and only all DJ disco of that era.

And again I quote Billboard September 20, 1975

“Honolulu, — There’s only one “true” discotheque in Hawaii. It’s a popular rendezvous for dance fans who hear and dance to everything from Frank Sinatra to Minnie Ripperton, in the intriguing setting of Bobby McGee’s Conglomeration, a new restaurant on the far end of Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki.

Here a Disk Jockey mans a music both, playing oldies as well as top 40 disks. His introductions are mellow affairs—befitting the somber elegance of the room which draws a mixed clientele of social elite and the young-and-hip.

One other club in Hawaii – Puck’s Pub, an eatery a stone’s throw from the Univ. of Hawaii, in the Moiliili district – also features a live deejay spinning records. He does this, however, in-between liver musical sets by a rock band.

In Hawaii “discos” usually mean a dance room with a rock churning out raucous music amid a bath of flashing lights and mirrored walls.

There are other popular Hang outs:”

They go on mention Infinity, and the Point After and after that Whisky Willy’s. Da Sting had already gone down.

This is what they have to say about Whiskey Willy’s:

“Whiskey Williy’s formerly Da Sting, is located in the Princes Kaiulani Hotel. It has been a room with a split personality; one band plays music on the main dance floor, another in adjoining lounge. Local bands have been featured.”

Then Captain Nemo’s (Which was managed by Fred Paluso, he later opened up Scruples)

In the start all of us basically were fill in for the dead air time between bands as a start. The Nightclub DJ industry was in it’s infancy and a lot of us were trying to figure it out. What we did on the Radio did not necessarily translate over to a club. For one thing, in a Radio Studio you have a lot of time on your hands and can really concentrate on the task at hand. In a club, you are front and center. People are hanging around the booth, making requests, trying to know you as they feel you are someone important, all the while you are trying to do your job which is observing your audience, trying to get a read on the atmosphere, know your songs, queue them up, do some ad lib. You had to keep things moving along. Therefore you constantly made adjustments based on those facts. It came very easily to me and got boring very fast. So I got bored very fast, My ego did not need it and I moved on.

As far as your claim to being the first DJ in Waikiki Rollow, that is up for serious debate. And I do not know what DJ (Straight) means, first DJ in a straight club? Sorry I am confused there. As far as you keeping a scrap book, good for you. Resume’s do not count. they are created by a person for that person to look good in a job application as a general rule, so credibility always come into the grey area.

Sorry if I hurt your feeling by not having any knowledge of you, however why would I want to or need to know about you then? I could really care less, and to be frank with you there are a lot of other Talent and DJ’s from that time in Hawaii that did not either. If that is what floats your boat, I am happy for you. Not my thing. I did what I did and moved on to bigger and greater things for myself. You are only as good as the next thing you can do.

So let’s just end this little squabble and stick to facts we can document from known sources in the industry.

I still am curious about the owner of the Lava Lava club though. Can you let us know his name. Being a little bit of a history buff, it intrigues me.

You can quote Billboard all you want. Somebody got their facts wrong. Whiskey Willy’s was first then it became Da Sting. I’ve gone on with my life and done great things since. But the truth is important. And you don’t know what you are talking about.

Also straight means not gay….As we all know the whole disco movement was started in the gay clubs. In Waikiki it was no different. Gay discos in Waikiki started first in the early ’70’s. Then the straight clubs came after. I was not a talking DJ…..I was a mixer and hi-energy style DJ who kept the floor moving. I used the latest turntables Technics 1200’s. That is why I was such a success at the only gay club I ever worked…Lava Lava.

Good to know you weren’t a “talking DJ”. Nothing’s more irritating than a DJ who keeps running their mouth when all you’re trying to do is enjoy the music.

I’m surprised you haven’t mentioned Hula’s, as you know that “LGBT” bar is still going strong, now located at the end of Waikiki by the Zoo. The old location of Hula’s and Hamburger Mary’s on Kuhio avenue is now a brand new Ritz Carlton Luxury condo (tower 1 completed; 2nd tower under construction). SUPER nice property, with the price tag to go with it.

Have you ever spun at Rumours in the Ala Moana Hotel? That’s another old school club still going strong.

I mentioned Hula’s …I think just as a piece of Waikiki’s club history and their awesome DJ Rick Lopez. I went there a few times on my off nights, but since I worked 7 nights a week I didn’t have many nights off. The gay and straight clubs even today keep to themselves. I loved the hi-energy of the music at the gay clubs especially Donna Summer….Patti Brooks…….130 BPM and up. Casablanca Records was the top record label for this stuff. Since I had a dance background..I loved Disco because it was dance music especially for couples to dance together. Today’s popularity of “Dancing with the Stars” is exactly the kind of dancing during the Disco era. Except in the ’70’s they weren’t so “stilted” as ballroom dancing with pros. That is why after a while the “Rock & Rollers” turned against disco. They couldn’t dance…just head bangers with two left feet.I never worked at “Rumours” tho I have a faint memory of it. During that time there was a place called the “Latin Villa” that was away from Waikiki.

Just finishing up “:Magnum, P.I.,” embarking on a film career that everyone anticipated would be more illustrious than it turned out, Selleck owned a part of the restaurant, as did Magnum co-star Larry Manetti.

The real money came from Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and restaurateur Randy Schoch. “Selleck and Larry weren’t really owners,” recalls Schoch. “We just gave them some stock to use their names.”

“At the time, they were powerful names. “That night you couldn’t rent a tux in Honolulu,” recalls Schoch, “or a limo. And we rented out all the upscale Porta-Potties in town.”

“Carl Wilson and Mike Love of the Beach Boys flew in. Dolly Parton sent a video. “Tony Curtis was there,” recalls Schoch, “plus all the usual suspects from around town.”

Very nice, I never saw that story. Only the talk around town that Selleck was a part owner. I vaguely recall the other people mentioned as owners having something to do with Nick’s Fish Market and the Restaurant Club that used to be where “Signatures” is now at the top of the Ala Moana Hotel. Not sure if that is correct, however I believe it is.

Hmmm, I Don’t recall Restaurant Club being atop Ala Moana Hotel, where it’s now Signature Steak & Seafood. Must have been before my time.

Long before Signature (that space atop Ala Moana Hotel was vacant for a long time), it was Aaron’s, owned by Tri-Star Restaurant Group. Before that it was Nicholas Nickolas, both fine dining restaurants. BTW, Signature’s wet-aged steak is STELLAR! As good as BLT Steak (Trump tower Waikiki) in my opinion.

La Ronde was atop the Ala Moana Office Building, located at the center-mauka side of the mall parking structure, next to the ramp coming up from “Koreamoku” street. Interestingly, La Ronde was the first revolving restaurant in the US . Which makes it all the more tragic that nobody wanted to keep the revolving restaurant in business, as Ron mentioned,with the revolving floor now welded stationary, and it converted to (vacant) office/storage space. Thankfully we have Top of Waikiki to take its place. Still, that’s such a waste of a premium view overlooking the Ala Moana/Kaka’ako area.

That said, you had the office building in the middle confused with Ala Moana Hotel, which is on the Diamond Head end of Ala Moana Center, and home now to Signature Steak & Seafood on the top, as well as Rumours in the lobby.

My description is off calling it a Restaurant club, sorry and I was referring to Nickolas Nickolas, they did try a brief stint as a club, not sure of the outcome.

A side note, my wife love’s the Steak Tartars (Spl?) at Signatures. I never went to it when it was Aaron’s.

Also has anyone mentioned the club David Schutter and Fred Peluso (Spl?) had on Ala Moana Blvd just down and across the street from the Ilikai hotel towards Waikiki. I believe it was called the Hot Rod or something like that. HotRod Car theme. Very unique and Short lived. David was a high profile defense lawyer in those days and we all knew Fred with his love of Panteras.

Not sure what happened with this comment, but I have to copy-paste it from email moderation:

Ron Skates said,

Ok Rollow… I am not sure where you got the impression someone was inferring Lee Afuvai was a DJ. He was the Manager of the Point After, for as long as I can remember. In the early 70’s I was a regular there. He knew I was interning at one of the local radio stations as well as working the board for some of the Radio Jock’s. Back then you had to have an FCC 3rd class license or have someone who had one working the board to work be on air as Radio talent.

The Point After was using two live bands – however, between sets they felt they were losing drink revenue and people would leave. Lee approached me because they wanted to setup a DJ booth across from the band platform and have them keep the pace going & who could refuse Lee? …He was such a great guy – so I did it. This was around 1973. This was the first Disco club to the best of my knowledge in Waikiki to use a DJ. Although I am not sure of exact date. Francis was his assistant manager and Rick “Ricky” Kahalehau was a host. I meet my wife when I was there.

In those days, everything was vinyl or carts. Basically our job was queuing up the right track on the record, fading them in and out with a little ad lib in-between. The objective was to keep the atmosphere of the club going where people would not lose interest, know your play list and pace your audience between fast paced Disco interspersed with some slow songs when you saw your crowd losing interest. It was not rocket science.

The Point After opened around 1970/71 in Waikiki (See article below for confirmation). There was another one in Dallas I believe.

“As Rick Kahalehau, disk jockey and host of the Point After, the first disco to open on Oahu six years ago, describes the scene. “There are a lot of clubs opening up now, but if you check it out, you’ll find that not many of them are making it.

The Point After is owned by an investor from Japan and features two dance floors along with both live band and recorded disco music in between sets. Besides disco music, top 10 singles and soul single are interspersed during the band intermission. Tapes are used for the first hour and then albums and singles take their place between band sets.

The Point as it is commonly called, caters to a young local crowd. …

Two other clubs, the Infinity and Rex + Eric’s, opened in 1974 when the local disco scene’s popularity was bursting open.

Rex + Eric’s is both a restaurant and a disco. As General Manager Bob Daniels describes the establishment caters to “the beautiful young people” who frequent the Waikiki area, quite often drawing celebrities who are on vacation.

It is owned by Rex Chandler and features separate rooms for dancing, eating and backgammon.

“One trend I see is that live music is coming into its own and people who go to discos want live music,” comments Daniels.

Daniels agrees that competition among various new and more established discos has reached a significant intensity.

The backgammon room is unique in Hawaii. People can go into a separate room where tables are set up to play the game. In Rex + Eric’s disco room, music is provided by a live band and recorded music between sets.”

So sir, your dates are off on when Disco started in Waikiki and when DJ’s started in Waikiki and you obviously have a slight bias on which clubs were the “Best Clubs” in Waikiki – a lot of the clubs had lines.

As far as the Lava Lava club owner being murdered, I could not find any documentation on that. Honestly, I have no knowledge of the gay clubs other than Hulas at that time.

Can you tell us the name of the owner of the Lava Lava club who you indicate was murdered? …that does interest me. I do remember when Chuck (Charles Marsland Jr.) was found on the Windward side murdered. He was working as host at the Infinity in the basement of the Sheraton Waikiki. That was in April of 1975. …that was devastating to all of us.

So let’s just chalk this disagreement to dates and knowledge of all the different clubs as it was an interesting time. Remember when most if not all the military guys used to wear wigs in those days? Just a tidbit of the old days.

Also a sad note. Lee Afuvai passed away a few years ago. Sadly, I had not seen him in person since the mid to late 1980’s when he stopped by my office on Kapiolani Blvd. My wife and I did attend his funeral services and I did get a chance to see Herbie V. My wife said she saw Francis there – however, I did not and we did not get to talk to him. Lee’s services were well attended by many notable entertainers as well as government officials and friends. After the Point Lee went on to work under the Waihee and Cayetanto administrations as a liaison to Samoa. I learned a lot from Lee who was a great guy.

Thanks for this list. I know it a few years old and hope someone can help. 1947 to 1955 my uncles John and Bill Furtado owned a bar — Kalihi Tavern — at1924 N King Street. Anyone know it? Got photos?Mahalo, Bob

Pomai….I’ll be in Honolulu in 3 weeks. Would like to get together to discuss the ’70’s in Honolulu. I will bring materials to help us with your blog and facts about that era. I’m having a meeting with entertainment writer John Berger of the Advertiser. He’s interested in doing a story about those days. Should be fun!! Need contact info.

Ok, I will start this thread off with the definition of Disco from the Merriam Webster Dictionary.

Full Definition of disco

Plural

discos

1 : a nightclub for dancing to live and recorded music

1. 2 : popular dance music characterized by hypnotic rhythm, repetitive lyrics, and electronically produced sounds

I used to think that The Point After was the 1st Disco in Waikiki. I will amend that statement based on this article written by Wayne Harada in Billboard Magazine on November 14th, 1970. The Point After was the first successful and one of the longest running Disco/Night Clubs in Waikiki in the 70’s and going into the 80’s.

Hawaii Is Caught In a Club Slump (Billboard 11-14-70)

By WAYNE HARADA
HONOLULU — They’re singing “Blues in the Night” out Waikiki way, because business is way, way down.
“It’s bad,” one club spokesman said of the slack in winingand-dining spending. “The worst slump since Statehood,” said another. The situation is dismal —at least until the Christmas holiday, when more tourists will be in Waikiki.

Here’s the situation:
* Several clubs are up for sale—including Gene’s Port of Paradise, which opened less than three months ago within the Waikiki Biltmore complex. It was to have been Sterling Mossman’s “home.”
* A few clubs already have changed hands—like the New Frontier, a country room; and the Jade East Lounge, a discotheque-bar.
* More clubs are opening—The Departure is a new dance room in the Ala Moana Hotel, the Kahili Bar reopened its doors within the Princess Kaiulani complex, another discotheque is on the drawing boards at Denny’s in Waikiki.
* One chain, Spencecliff, is toying with the possibility of shutting down two operations, the Waikiki Beef ‘n’ Grog, and the Merry Monarch, on week nights—and open only on weekends.

* Hotels are trying to beef up entertainment slates to lure more local residents to the clubs —and are succeeding, in certain instances.

* Even the Don Ho show is playing to less-than-full houses at the Cinerama Reef Towers Hotel where localities can take advantage of a $3 savings by presenting the voting receipt from the State’s primary election.
Duke Kahanamoku’s has been successful in getting the Hawaiians in to see John Bowles, a part-Maori singer.
The Outrigger Hotel’s trying to maintain momentum with a series of solid bookings. The Surfers and Sonny Charles were recent co-headliners, followed by Beverlee & Sidro with the Sneakers and the Surfers. Mike Hickey, who buys talent for the room, also is set to open Dick Jensen Oct. 27, and plans to book the Reycards and Jimmy Darren in November. Then the Society of Seven, the “resident” group in the room, return for the holiday season.
“All of us in Waikiki are beginning to realize that we have to turn to the local people for support year-round,” said Hickey. And that means we’ve got to keep our prices stable.

Erratic entertainment charges are never effective.”

My amended comment is that The Point After was the first Successful Disco in Waikiki. It opened in early 1972 to late 1971. I offer as proof the following article published in the Valley news Van Nuys California, Sept 29, 1972 announcing Stan Richards Promotion to VP.

Stan Richards Appointed AITS Vice President

R. L. KrakofI. president of American International Travel Service, has announced the appointment of Stan Richards as a vice president of AITS. Richards will continue in his present post as president of AITS’ restaurant division, Associated I n keepers Inc., with headquarters in Beverly Hills.

AIT operates The Point After clubs in Honolulu. Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles and the Plantation restaurants.

In Waikiki, the Disco’s all started with live music, usually a two band format. The DJ’s came a little later when club management realized there was “Dead Air” time, meaning people were not dancing, and therefore the tempo of the club was losing its energy, people were not drinking and partying as much, therefore revenue was dropping off between sets. The Point After was started this in Waikiki.

It was an interesting time in Waikiki in those days. The Point After started the era in Waikiki most of it under Stan Richards, Lee Afuvai, and Frances.

In BillBoard Magazine dated October 11, 1975 Wayne Harada of Honolulu wrote the following article about the start of DJ’s in the Waikiki Disco Scene. The Point After had been doing this for a while before this article.

Recorded Music Taking Over In 4 Honolulu Clubs

By WAYNE HARADA

HONOLULU—Four more Wai­kiki discos have emerged. Experi­menting with a format of recorded music. Two of the four also program live bands.

Bobby McGee’s Conglomeration had been Waikiki’s only restaurant with a true disco format, wherein a deejay mans a booth and spins records for dancers.

Four other clubs have switched to a record policy—with two estab­lished dance rooms alternating live music with platters. The latest switches include:

The Point After in the Ha­waiian Regent Hotel, with a one-band, one-deejay format. The band is Union Pacific. The switch to a record policy ends a four-year tra­dition of two bands providing back-to-back music.

CSB, acronym for C’est Si Bon at the Pagoda Restaurant and Hotel just outside Waikiki, also has a rec­ords and band policy. Powerhouse provides the in-person sounds.

Rex & Eric’s, a restaurant on Kuhio Ave. near the International Market Place, now programs re­corded music.

Nick’s Fish market, a restaurant in the Waikiki Gateway Hotel on Kalakaua Ave, also has installed a dance floor and utilizes the services of a jock spinning disks.

Rollow – awhile back you mentioned the Merry Monarch was one of your hangouts in ’68. Mine as well. I was Navy and left the island near Christmas of that year. What was the name of the band that played there all that year? They played soul covers, had a trumpet player.

When I first started going out to the dance clubs in the early 70’s the only club to go to was the “Point After”. As noted in Billboard Magazine “Hawaii Is Caught In a Club Slump (Billboard 11-14-70)”, the Hawaii night club business was in a slump. One of the, if not the first clubs to start to bring life back to Waikiki was The Point After which was actually a Mainland company with a number of clubs in not only Honolulu, also Boston, San Francisco, L.A., and I believe Texas somewhere.

Because of this they had a better handle on the latest Music/Dance/Fads on the mainland. So this club helped set the pace. Also unlike a lot of other Clubs, The Point After was strictly a Night Club, where a lot of others to follow were Dinner / Nightclubs and or Lounge / Nightclubs. Stan Richards eventually became president of the operation, with Lee Afuvai as the Club Manager, Francis was the assistant Manager and his right hand, Rick “Ricky” Kahalehau was a Host and later also one of the DJ’s, Herbert “Herbie” Vina also later worked there.

At first the format was two live bands playing back to back. The Point rotated the bands between all their clubs here and on the mainland. The one’s I remember the most were “Union Pacific” and “Crystal Clear”. Later they would start bringing in local bands into the rotation.

As stated by Aura a local Hawaii Band on their web site:

In December 1975, Stan Richards walks into The Sting at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel to take a “peek” at the “off night” band; they call themselves The Nomads and he was told that they were a very good R ‘n B band. He walks around the disco just once and leaves. The band, although disappointed, hopes for the best because, after all, Stan Richards is the owner of The Point After – the hottest disco in Honolulu with sister clubs in Seattle, Dallas, Boston and Anchorage. They try to optimistic but realize that there has never been a “local” act hired to perform in that club – only bands from the continental U.S. circulate between the sister clubs – and even if they are hired only to do the “off night” gig it would be a stepping stone for bigger things

Much to their, Mr. Richards decides to have them perform at The Point After in Dallas, Texas for two months, beginning January 1976. Although hoping to land a spot in the Honolulu club, this is still a big break…and there’s the excitement of traveling to unknown territory! The band does so well there, Stan decides to but the gig short and bring them “home” to perform in the Honolulu club. Wayne Harada, entertainment columnist of The Honolulu Advertiser, writes “this is history in the making…the first local act to play that room”. The group went on to receive numerous awards from Honolulu’s entertainment industry, year after year, for their superb talent and ability to “pack the room”.

Back in the beginning a Discotheque or Disco meant a dance club. Later it became to symbolize more with a Disk Jockey (DJ) playing the music. Around 73 or 74 Lee approached me about an experiment they were doing on the mainland. Instead of using two bands they were setting up a “DJ” or “Disk Jockey” booth. The idea was to use a “DJ” and only one live band. The objective was to keep the pace going on the dance floor instead of the dead time between sets. Since I was interning at a local station and had been a “DJ” ever since I was a kid overseas, he asked me if I would help them out with the experiment. I did and it was a success. To my knowledge this was the first “DJ” in Waikiki. Later a lot of other clubs came up and followed its pattern. Clubs like Infinity, Captain Nemo’s Spats, Valentino’s, Rex and Eric’s, The Sting and many others. The first real Disco in Waikiki by the definition of music being played by just a DJ was Bobbie McGee’s and I believe that was a mainland operation mostly because it is referred to as a conglomerate.

Being a DJ in those days is a lot different that it is now. Basically besides a good sound system, you have two or more turntables with a mixer, a mic and possibly some tape machines or cart’s. You figure out a play list based on the current dance hits, cue them up play them with no dead air time and ad lib some as you go. It was not that easy however it was not rocket science either. You make adjustments based on requests and how your audience is dancing. You have your groupies and those people who always think they can do it. And are willing to do it for free, just to get the attention and limelight.

It is not something you were going to get paid a lot to do in those days. That is why I moved on quickly Ricky picked up after me. It was not going to be a carrier and I got bored, I needed to do something that was going to make a difference, being a DJ was not. So I moved on to a much more rewarding and meaningful carrier, never looking back.

Where being a musician people will remember the song you wrote or how you played it and how in made an impression on them and possibly affected them. As a DJ once they left the club I doubt they even remember what you played. Of course occasionally a club would buy advertising in one of the local magazines and in turn get an article written about it. However like ashes in the wind once it is read it is gone.

I have never heard of a differentiation between a straight or gay DJ unless maybe someone was referring to their sexual orientation. It was a job and you played where you were paid. As far as who was the first DJ in Waikiki, I do not believe any of us were really aware of each other at the different clubs unless we actually went to them. So that could be considered a debatable subject.

That being said, I meet some wonderful people and made some lifelong friends. I learned some valuable lessons about people and life. Would I do it again? Lee Afuvai stopped by my business in the mid 80’s and asked be about a club that was starting up and if I would be interested in doing it again. I respectfully declined.

There are still 70’s and 80’s nightclub reunions in town featuring the local bands. I hope people who have interest in this sort of things attend them. I know the people who create them and some who attend them. From what I hear they are well received.

It was a different time, the Vietnam war had wound down, the free love and hippie era of acid rock was pretty much winding down. The era of where people did not care how they looked and smelled (hippie) era was gone, now we were buying disco suits, Polyester shirts, Platform boots, growing our hair long, however getting it styled. We dressed to impress. The Hare Krishna was all over Waikiki with their drums and cymbals.

Instead of the VW van’s we wanted cars people noticed us in. Instead of free style “dancing” now people were practicing their moves and choreographing. (Here I fell flat on my face).

Waikiki was different also. Kalakaua was two way street at first until late 71 or 72. The Hyatt was at first a dilapidated hotel called the Biltmore before they imploded it and Chris Hemmeter built what we now know as the Hyatt (74-75).

Where the Outback Steakhouse is now used to be a Gas Station. There used to be a topless bar at Kalakaua and Beachwalk called the Lollipop. The Hale Koa Hotel was nowhere like it is today

A lot of the military guys who wanted to blend in with everyone used to wear wigs. During a short time the Honolulu Police Department actually made the Transvestites and Transsexuals wear a button that read “I am a boy” if they didn’t they threatened them with arrest for something, crazy.

Most of the night clubs like the Point After closed at 2 AM because they had what was called a Cabaret License so we went to the Wailana for food and later to Egg’s and Things on Kalakaua

Captain Nemo’s became literally underwater a few times from the rain.

People do not mention the Shorebird much, however that has been around for a while.

Everyone knew about Hulas and that fantastic Banyan tree with the lights. And practically everyone I know went there and had a good time, straight and gay. Everyone was welcome. The Hamburgers that were served next to it were famous. Later, Jack Law and one of the Magon’s opened the Wave, a New Wave Club, very progressive at the time.

Bottom line is in those days people may have had a home base club, however they would always go check out the other clubs. It was just a different time an innocent time and a great time I will never forget.

I was a member of three piece folk group named “Brandywine”. We played the row’s Nest for a year in 1970-1971. We were replaced by the infamous Blue Kangaroo, who had just closed their club in Kaimuki (where the paintball range is on the mauka side between 12th and 11th. It was great fun, with peanuts in a barrel that you could shuck and drop the floor. That practice was sopped when the fire marshal came to visit and reported that it was a fire hazard! It really cut into business! We sang folk music such as the Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, etc. The founder, Dave Heffner, died about four years ago, but I and Russ Donelly are still keeping on in Honolulu. Another interesting tidbit is that when I started to sing at the Crow’s Nest I had to get special dispensation from the Liquor Commission as I was underage (17). That meant they had to have a place for me to go between sets where there was no alcohol and I couldn’t mingle with the customers.